Sir, - The clearest proof that intimidation beatings are carried out by the IRA with Sinn Fein's help is the orders given to most of the victims to "leave the country" within 24 or 48 hours.
While rascals and ruffians might carry out beatings, only a paramilitary organisation such as the IRA, with a political group like Sinn Fein, could effectively exclude people from an area and forbid them to return and supervise their absence.
A second proof is the failure to report the perpetrators, who are known to their victims in many instances. This failure is forced because the IRA are holding weapons and would use them against any witnesses who would dare to come forward.
IRA beatings and expulsions have political purposes: (1) to exclude the police and to replace them or any new force other than themselves; (2) to intimidate the community; (3) to prevent normality in community and cross-community life and stop the solution of problems on a cross-community basis.
The paramilitary/political leaders on both sides of the community can stop intimidation beatings when Mr Clinton or Mr Blair are coming to promote political deals. - Yours, etc., Rt Rev Mgr Denis Faul, PP,
Parish of Termonmaguirc, Carrickmore, Omagh, Co Tyrone.