Dublin August 31st: President Mary McAleese today called for a national change in attitudes to end the bullying of gay people. Addressing the International Association of Suicide Prevention Conference in Killarney, the President said the link between sexual identity and suicide had to be addressed. "Ireland is making considerable progress in developing a culture of genuine equality, recognition and acceptance of gay men and women," she said. "But there is still an undercurrent of both bias and hostility which young gay people must find deeply hurtful and inhibiting." The President said: "Homosexuality is a discovery, not a decision, and for many it is a discovery which is made against a backdrop where, within their immediate circle of family and friends as well as the wider society, they have long encountered anti-gay attitudes which will do little to help them deal openly and healthily with their own sexuality." Ireland's suicide toll is around 500 every year. Young men make up 40 per cent of these, and elderly men comprise the second-highest at risk group. The President said the dangers of alcohol and cannabis to young people's psychological well-being had been well documented along with the effect of bullying. But Mrs McAleese said more discussion was needed on the link between sexual identity and suicide. The President also said Ireland had to go through an attitude change and develop a sensitive culture in dealing with people affected by mental problems to combat suicide.
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