Sir, - I refer to Mr Des O'Malley's passionate speech at Mr Jack Lynch's funeral and I quote: "Thirty years ago, as a nation we were confronted with a stark choice . . . we could have caved in to sinister elements and put our country at risk". Let us not forget Peter Berry's integral role in that "stark choice" and our enormous debt to his courage and integrity.
Thirty years ago as Secretary, Department of Justice, he was confronted with what he referred to as an "unthinkable situation" - of attempted arms importation through Dublin airport bound for the North, involving two cabinet ministers. Had he not had the strength of conviction to resist coercion into letting the shipment through, the quality of all our lives would undoubtedly be different today.
Peter Berry too deserves his place in history, as acknowledged by many eminent people. Without his loyalty to government and courage in upholding the rule of law, I also "fear to think what might have befallen us". - Yours, etc.,
Frances Berry, Dublin, 6.