Sir, - On reading the news article by Suzanne Breen of December 25th, 26th, and 27th I was appalled to read that Catholics, my co religionists, could stand aside and allow a man, a third generation gentleman of Pomeroy, to have to close his business because of a boycott by so called nationalists.
No doubt protagonists of this type of policy will tell me that I do not understand the situation. However, whatever the rights or wrongs of Drumcree, let us look at a few facts. When the loyalist mob tried to prevent Catholics from attending Mass at their church in Ballymena, Protestant clergy spoke out against it, a Protestant mayor accompanied his people and, I understand, participated very becomingly in the ceremonies, and shook the hands of Catholics entering the church.
No protestation of such "nationalism" as exhibited in Pomeroy will ever convince any right thinking Catholic that what is being done there or in other towns and villages in Northern Ireland is Christian, or even human. I am calling on the Catholic clergy and Catholic laymen and women to let your voices be heard in emulation of our Protestant brothers and sisters in Ballymena. Their road is the road to peace. - Yours, etc.,
Colaiste Benildus,
Cill Mochuda,
Stigli Lorgan,
Co Atha Cliath