“Dear Editor,
Dr Aodán Ó Cochúir appears to underestimate the impact of religion on Swiss politics (Letters, March 26th). The pervasive influence of religion persists as evidenced by the strong presence of the Liberal Radical Party in historically Protestant cantons such as Geneva and Vaud. This party is an offshoot of the erstwhile Protestant Liberal party that dominated Swiss politics through much of the 19th century.
Similarly, the Centre Party, which evolved from Catholic Christian Democratic parties, hold sway in traditionally Catholic cantons like Valais and Lucerne.
Fortunately, the long-standing tradition of direct democracy coupled with federalism in Switzerland has largely rendered religious discord a relic of the past.
Yours sincerely,
Joseph G O’Hanlon,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.”