Madam, - Republicans seem very irritated by what they regard as the inability of many people to understand what the phrase "no activities" means. Well, perhaps at the very least Republicans could explain what they mean by "activities".
It is clear from the statement of the IRA, an organisation referred to by Sinn Féin as "The Army", that it intends to continue with unspecified activities. According to the IRA it is determined that its activities will be consistent with "its resolve to see the complete and final closure on the conflict".
I'm no expert on military matters, but I'm sure armies, be they operating under the control of a government or, as in the case of the IRA, unaccountable to the people of Ireland, engage in activities of a military nature.
Therefore, if they are not going away, as Mr Adams might say, it would be helpful if the IRA could tell us precisely what kind of military activities they intend to continue.
One thing is clear, the IRA have always believed that the cause of the conflict is the British presence in Ireland, a presence that must be removed if they are to stop their activities. Their statement also makes clear that the IRA is not "party to the Good Friday Agrement". In that context I find the statement by the IRA more threatening than reassuring.
That Bertie Ahern should see David Trimble's reluctance to share power with Sinn Féin/IRA under the present circumstances as mere nonsense, rather than an attempt to defend a basic principle of democracy, is depressing. - Yours, etc.,
TONY MORIARTY, Kenilworth Park, Dublin 6W.