YOUR article concerning the councils employment of a person previously jailed raises interesting points. Firstly, proper application of process is always essential to demonstrate transparency and accountability in public affairs.
Secondly, as a society we must recognise that people can and do change, even although some may not take advantage of second chances.
Through their punishment, people pay for their failings, and through our compassion as a society, we create the opportunities for people to mend their ways.
It will not always happen. However, too often at present, we adopt a kneejerk reaction which ignores the significant positive potential of those who have previously been in error.
Most of us acknowledge our mistakes in life, learn and move on. The test of the maturity of our society is whether we are able to extend the same opportunities to others, always providing of course things are done with due process in and open and transparent way.
DAVID MYLES,
general secretary,
Forest YMCA.
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