Mags GarganDear Editor, Thanks to The Irish Catholic for Martin O’Brien’s insightful interview of Francis Campbell, who has taken over the leadership of London’s St Mary’s University. As an Irishman, Mr Campbell follows in the footsteps of many great Irish Vincentians most notably Fr Kevin Cronin and Fr Des Beirne.
One aspect of Mr Campbell’s campaigning enthusiasm, which deserved mention in the interview, is his recent call for the erection of a statue in London’s Parliament Square in honour of Daniel O’Connell MP. The timing of the suggestion coincides with the recent announcement of British Government plans to create a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, who acknowledged the inspiration of O’Connell in his own non-violent civil rights struggle for national freedom.
Over 100 years ago here in his native Kerry the Catholic parish church of Cahersiveen was officially named Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church of the Holy Cross in recognition of O’Connell’s human rights leadership in both Ireland and Britain.
The time is surely right for Britain to recognise this outstanding member of the House of Commons and I urge Irish Catholic readers to support this campaign.
Yours etc.,
Alan Whelan,
Beaufort,
Co. Kerry.