During my early years the consistent instruction to children was to "only speak when you are spoken to".

This basic yet consistent maxim was formulated on the back of a society that was based on the meek acceptance of authority, or to be more precise those in authority.

I use the word meek when perhaps I should use fearful because while I remember being angry on many occasions by the lack of respect shown to young people, I also vividly recall the many slaps and bangs metered out to those who showed any defiance.

This particular principle was meant to instill a respect for authority in the youth of the country without, in my opinion, ensuring those in authority earned the respect. What actually ensued from this myopic mentality was a lack of trust, a resentment even, that lasted throughout the lifetimes of too many people. I for example, over a relatively short period of time, took a dislike to the Irish language, which still lingers somewhat, because of the manner in which it was rammed down my throat and at the same time, like many others in inner city Dublin, fought a running battle with schoolteachers because of my preference for Soccer over Gaelic football.

Schoolboy Soccer

Schoolboy Soccer was played on Saturday which clashed with the school GAA fixtures and many Monday mornings produced physical as much as academic involvement for those who had refused to place school above club or Gaelic above Soccer. In a crazy, ironic way I understood the fallout over sport but never came to terms with the language barrier. I always found it impossible to balance the encouragement I received to love my country with the forceful insistence to love the language.

As time progressed the mantle of authority, in most cases, and quite rightly, had to be earned. No longer does a person assume a position and receive respect as a matter of course. The respect for the position itself can be there but the respect for the holder comes on the back of performance and consistent performance at that.