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It is becomingly increasingly apparent that the non-Catholic population of Northern Ireland is badly served by the two main unionist parties, especially the DUP. Both seem intent on dragging Ulster back to the Dark Ages, when society was dominated by class inequality, prejudice, ignorance and intolerance.

We can see it first of all in their opposition to comprehensive education, a system that works perfectly well in most of Europe, providing equality of opportunity for all, regardless of class or creed. Indeed, countries such as Sweden and Finland, which have comprehensive schools for all from the age of 7 to 16, regularly come top of the International League tables for Maths, Science and literacy. But that's not good enough for our local unionist politicians, who want to preserve 'schools of excellence' Ìý– code-language for schools of snobbery and privilege.

Secondly, the DUP want to encourage schools to take a step backwards into the pre-Darwinian past by teaching creationism in schools. They want it to be treated on a par with evolution which, they claim, scientists admit is only a theory. Of course, scientists work on probabilities and most would say that evolution is 99.9% certain. Indeed, the evidence in its favour is as voluminous, diverse, and convincing as in the case of any other well established fact of science concerning the existence of things that cannot be directly seen, such as atoms, neutrons, or solar gravitation.

Thirdly both parties, and especialy the DUP, are pursuing a reactionary, illiberal 'moral' agenda that is totally out of step in the modern era. This can be seen in their total opposition to embryo research, abortion and gay rights. So much for NI as a pluralist liberal democracy. Theocracy would be a better description.

Now these Stone-Age politicians have voted for 42 days detention wthout trial. Have they learned nothing from internment in NI 30 years ago?

Brian McClinton
Can a society be BOTH liberal and genuinely pluralist?

Graham Veale

Of course you can be liberal and pluralist. What's the argument aganst that situation? Liberalism and pluralism are connected themes in political thought for good reason.

There have been reports today that certain local politicians believed that they had, within their grasp, a scintilla of power.

I am reminded of Lord Acton.

Graham:

Augustine is quite correct. Pluralism and liberalism are intimately related. Pluralism is a commitment to diversity and in political terms it essentially refers to the dispersal of power through competitive parties, independent media, checks and balances on the executive etc.

Liberalism believes that diversity in moral, political and cultural life is an essential expression of individuality and toleration. The liberal believes in live and let live; the pluralist believes in valuing this diversity. therefore, the two concepts are intertwined.

I am not a DUP voter and do not agree with a lot of their politics but, they are not stupid there must have been a deal and if part of that deal was to abolish water rates in N Ireland or get more money from the Government how many people will say they were wrong in voting with Gordon Brown.
This 42 day anti-terror legislation bill probably will not make law so why not try and get what we can from the Government when the going is good.

"so why not try and get what we can from the Government when the going is good."

The point about democracy is that we, i.e. the people of a nation, are supposed to be the government. Those who are elected merely represent us.

Doing deals is no way to exercise power.