A chara, – Martin Mansergh (September 8th) is critical of those who protested at Tony Blair’s recent book-signing visit. As somebody who stood outside Eason’s in dreadful weather conditions for four hours protesting against Mr Blair, I find Dr Mansergh’s simplistic analysis of Blair’s legacy annoying.
The mantra repeated by Mr Mansergh and others that Mr Blair’s work on the peace process in Ireland somehow excuses his part in the brutal war in Iraq must be constantly challenged. Mr Blair was one of many participants in the peace process here. He did not begin the process, but is lauded by Mr Mansergh and others as though he did. Indeed, I can still recall the abuse John Hume received in the media here when he actually began the peace process by talking to those directly involved in the Troubles. The revisionist glorification of Mr Blair’s role in the peace process appears to increase dramatically as his friends here see worldwide criticism of him also increase.
Dr Mansergh states the war in Iraq may have been a serious mistake but that “international law in this area is not at all clear-cut as is often made out”. It was very clear-cut to the United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan who stated on September 15th, 2004, “I have indicated it (the war) was not in conformity with the UN charter. From our point of view and from the charter point of view it was illegal.” Dr Mansergh, please take note.
Finally, Dr Mansergh attempts to excuse the war in Iraq by applauding the removal of Saddam Hussein whom he rightly refers to as a long-standing domestic tyrant and war criminal. And yet this fact did not bother the US or Britain when they funded and supported Saddam Hussein from the 1960s to the 1980s including Saddam’s role in the Iran/Iraq war. This important fact is constantly omitted by Mr Blair’s supporters.
I believe those of us who bothered to protest against Blair were correct to do so. At every opportunity he should be reminded of his part in an illegal war and the hundreds of thousands killed. It should be a lesson to future leaders. His legacy is badly tarnished despite the mantra from his revisionist friends in Ireland.
Perhaps supping tea with Mr Blair has clouded Dr Mansergh’s objectivity. – Is mise,
EF FANNING,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.
Madam, – Considering that Tony Blair thinks Bloody Sunday happened in Belfast ( A Journey), I'm surprised he wasn't wandering the banks of the Lee looking for Dublin. – Yours, etc,