Flight 447 – the correct decision

FURTHER to Air France and Airbus being cleared of involuntary manslaughter in relation to Flight 447 which plunged into the Atlantic in 2009.

(The Irish Post, May 6) naturally my huge sympathies are with the relatives of all who died on board, with particular mention of the three Irish doctors who perished.

One can only imagine the anguish at the time of the crash, and the ongoing sadness over the years.

Nonetheless, I believe the courts have made the correct decision — it could never be proved what exactly caused the crash. If it was pilot error, then those who made the error paid with their lives. If it was a technical defect, then that issue has long since been addressed. If there were other circumstances, then we shall never know.

Flying is vital to Ireland, being an island, and air safety is of paramount importance. But rather than be disquieted by the news that a Paris court found those operating the Airbus A330, or the people who manufactured it, innocent of all charges, we should be sanguine about it. Because there is a zero tolerance attitude to air safety which has made air travel all but foolproof, and that situation has been helped by a no-blame culture.

The Geneva-based Aircraft Crashes Record Office (ACRO) reveals every year that commercial flying continues to be very safe. Lengthy investigations are launched into every incident, with consequent adjustments, improvements taking place. An ethos of openness without blame pertains in the airline industry to encourage the airing of any mistakes or potential problems, instead of things being swept under the carpet. That is why a not guilty verdict was the correct one in Paris.

Placing guilt on those involved in such an accident as Flight 447 helps no one — neither those in the air industry nor the general flying public; and it’s hard to see how it could help the families of the victims. The families have received substantial financial compensation, and while their loved ones will never be replaced, the tragedy will not, at least, have harmed them financially.

Maria Campbell Islington, London

Climate change and the Vatican

A RECENT Pew Research Poll measured levels of concern about climate change among religious groups. Christians did not fare too well. The poll found that people who do not identify with any religion express higher levels of concern than evangelicals and Catholics.

Regarding “levels of concern” three popes have addressed climate change. One of them, Pope Benedict XVI is known as the ‘Green Pope’. Under his pontificate, the Vatican became the first state to become carbon neutral. He addressed the climate crisis as cardinal and pontiff.

What Benedict has to say is compelling. He links climate disruption to human behaviour — warning that nothing will change so long as humanity engages in the “inner spiritual destruction” that afflicts the world today.

Pope John Paul II echoed this assessment. “Modern society will find no solution to the ecology problem unless it takes a serious look at its lifestyle”.

We should heed those words.

Cathal Gallagher San Jose, California

George was not daunted by any task.

Arriving in Birmingham in 1954 as a builder, George continued to turn out for his native Tyrone. Married to Belfast-born Edith, and with two children, Karl (another GAA stalwart) and Jackie, George was driven by a desire to help his community. He felt a Christian duty to serve others. Sport aside, George was a gifted singer, who delighted his local Tamworth church, and cutting several CDs. So too did he support his parish, with fund raising and supporting many in need.

THE passing on February 28 of Tyrone footballer, referee and Warwickshire GAA stalwart, George McGuigan (aged 90) evokes memories for generations of exiled Gaels. Over a long life, George played senior football at No 14 for his home county. Later he came to epitomise an evolving GAA facing many challenges, not least the Troubles, plus the IRA bombings in Britain. It was an unsettling era, for sure. Yet George McGuigan helped bring stability to a GAA that at times looked uncertain of its direction.

Straight, honest, decent and friendly, George was genuinely likeable. No wonder; he was a natural giver. Whether it was encouraging up-and-coming young footballers or hurlers at 1970s Glebe Farm, Birmingham, or its 1989 successor Páirc na hÉireann; counselling club officials, cleaning dressing rooms, checking registrations, keeping gate at Birmingham, or refereeing,

But it is as a GAA leader George will be best remembered. His offices were many and multitasked; and he discharged each with diligence. In the 1960s he was a member and player at St Brendan’s GAC, Birmingham. He also served twice as secretary of Warwickshire GAA as well as chairman 1972-79

From 1976 to 1979 he was president of British GAA Provincial Council, and vicePresident of Cumann Luithchleas Gael.

One could talk endlessly of his merits, but constant re-elections to various GAA offices tells its own story. So too did the many people from all walks attending St John’s Church to bid George farewell.

I first met George at Warwickshire‘s GAA Convention held in Corby, January 1978. Frankly, this recently-arrived Co. Down student was feeling homesick. Over 45 ensuing years, I came to appreciate George as a fellow countryman, an experienced GAA leader, a father figure (as some years ago when encouraging me to “rise up” after a grave misfortune), and, towards the end, as a most loveable unofficial uncle.

Dr Vincent McKee Coventry

Vol. 53. No. 19. The Irish Post

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Mal Rogers

Tel: 020 8900 4329 Mal.rogers@irishpost.co.uk

Reporters: Conor O’Donoghue Conor.o’donoghue@irishpost. co.uk

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