Sir, - If Johnny Adair was a republican figure, would the national media be as complacent about his internment by the British government? While Adair is undoubtedly a threat to the public, he is not alone in this respect. Anyone who takes an interest in these matters could name at least 50 others, including the Real IRA who were responsible for the slaughter at Omagh, who fit into the same category.
That being the case, are we to accept that there is one law for Adair and another for all others who plan or advocate violence? This appears to be the case, especially if we consider that for the past two years since the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, many influ ential people have been at pains to explain that even those who have been convicted of the most heinous crimes are entitled to their freedom under the terms of the agreement.
Some of these, like Adair, have subsequently been involved in violence - even murder; so why are they also not returned to prison by order of the Secretary of State? Ulster Protestants, in particular, might be forgiven for perceiving authority as something that is biased against them under these circumstances, especially as the media do not seem to reflect the true situation.
That situation is a familiar one in Northern Ireland. Many groupings, both Catholic and Protestant, remain armed and committed to violence, and the detention of one individual will do little to change it. Undoubtedly the agreement has put much of the violence "on hold" while both sides assess how much they can gain from it; but is has not eradicated its cause, which is the future of Northern Ireland as part of the UK or as part of an Irish Republic.
Everyone is aware of this, though the politicians pretend the central issue has been settled. The proof is to be found in the speeches of the Sinn Fein leadership, however, and those of the anti-agreement lobby. To pretend that the removal of one individual from the battlefield is crucial to peace will be viewed as the height of hypocrisy in many quarters. - Yours, etc.,
Sean Kearney, Glantane Drive, Belfast 15.