Sir, – Religious Affairs Correspondent Patsy McGarry wrote of 1969: "at that time, to be Protestant in the Republic was, as with Patrick Kavanagh's swan, a case of carrying one's 'head low with many apologies'," (Home News, December 14th).
As a generalisation that is quite untrue. My experience as a Presbyterian in the Republic was never so. On the contrary, my family was respected and our retail business was almost exclusively supported by our Roman Catholic neighbours. We worked together, farmed together – yes and worshipped together at funeral services. At another level there was discrimination – there still is, but at community level we always had – and thank God for it – genuine healthy relationships and there was no need for anyone to keep his/her head down. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT A SHARPE,
Cootehill, Co Cavan.