A letter to the Irish Times criticising a criticiser of political correctness: An example of free speech taking a crack at freedom of speech by criticising freedom to define sexuality.

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/pc-or-not-pc-1.3182691

(Follow the link above or skip down to the letter if you've come here from my facebook link)

A short letter I wrote last year to the Irish Times taking a crack at an article by #LarissaNolan in which she criticised 'political correctness' and loud hailed the impending disintegration of free speech! I forgot to post it last year... anyway here it is! Perceptions of the purpose and relevance of political correctness are apparently dividing people more and more, and therefore becoming more pertinent.

Political correctness in modes of expression is essentially tied to language and discourse. The understanding of the extent to which language and discourse enact power has been evidenced in writings as old as 450 years: 'the pen is mightier than the sword' and all that kinda craic, but just older again. It's certainly not a new notion. But still the idea persists that 'freedom of speech' is absolute, and that it means that it ought to be inconsequential to say anything, to anyone, or any group, anytime. 

Irish Times Letter to the Editor: Banning Cluster Bombs (2008)

Letter to the Editor: Irish Times 2008

Madam, - Dermot Ahern (March 6th) writes a prolix defence in reaction to Nuala Ahern's article of March 4th and Margaretta D'Arcy's letter of March 5th, both of which question the Government's actions regarding banning cluster bomb munitions.

Mr Ahern cites his contacts with Minister for Finance Brian Cowen, and with the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission, "with a view to ensuring that no public funds are invested in any company involved in or associated with the production of cluster munitions".

After this woolly statement, the Minister goes on to say he is "proud that Ireland is leading efforts to combat cluster munitions and passionately hope that a convention will be agreed here in May".

The question remains, however: does Ireland have investment in companies which produce cluster bomb munitions? - Yours, etc,


NICK DORAN, Sandyford Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14.