In praise of Mary “May” McGee

Sir, – I note with sadness the death of Mary “May” McGee this week. As a student, I remember her and her husband’s case being one of the first we studied.

What struck me then and continues to stand out in my mind about the McGees is their steadfast nature in challenging the inequality they faced. In an Ireland that was a cold house for outsiders and those who didn’t comply with societal norms, I cannot but be amazed by the courage shown by the McGees despite denunciation from the pulpit and beyond.

The McGees helped to create a legal precedent regarding the right to marital privacy and the access to contraception. In a greater sense, they set a precedent for the furthering of progressive social causes through the courts, most notably in the Norris case, and how ordinary people could stand up for their own rights. I would highly recommend the episode of Scannal about the McGees case for anyone interested in its denouement.

Following the election of Catherine Connolly last week, I hope the voices of the people of Ireland will continue to be heard and we will maintain our current path of progress. I can’t think of any better way to honour the memory of May McGee. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam. – Yours, etc,

KEVIN DOYLE,

Milltown,

Dublin 6

Sir, – It brings a feeling of sadness but also of immense gratitude to me upon hearing of the death of May McGee. The impact of one couple on the social fabric of Ireland in the 1970s could not have been imagined or comprehended prior, and is its impact is felt every day by Irish women who enjoy the freedom to choose. Amid today’s political cynicism, it is easy to forget that one person, one couple, could cause such immeasurable, positive change. – Yours, etc,

RACHEL MINOGUE,

Fr Russell Road,

Limerick.

Criticism of John Collison

Sir, – I am a regular reader of John McManus but I disagree with his commentary on John Collison’s assessment of the reasons behinds our inability to progress big projects (“John Collison seems to have missed a