Sir, - While I sympathise with Gearoid O'Dowd's point (February 10th) about the execution of Karla Faye Tucker in Texas, it should be pointed out that, while the Pope cannot be expected to have prior knowledge of all executions scheduled in the US, he has in fact, appealed on behalf of many condemned prisoners.
I too am against all killing but it has to be admitted that the media covered this story for the news value of Karla F. Tucker being the first woman to be executed in Texas since the Civil War. I suppose, too, it was considered a new low to execute a woman. However, the US seems impervious to world opinion on this issue and is in defiance of a UN resolution to abolish this barbaric practice. In fact, it is increasing its use.
While chomping at the bit to get to play war games with Iraq, it could profitably consider putting its own house in order with regard to capital punishment (punishment for those without capital) and the abuse of human rights in its treatment of prisoners on death row, before seeking to police other countries. - Yours, etc.,
Mary Stewart (Mrs),
Ardeskin, Donegal Town.