Sir, – I note that the report on paramilitarism in Northern Ireland concluded that the Provisional IRA still exists ("Stormont talks resume in wake of report on IRA", October 21st). The report also concludes, however, that the UDA, UVF, and Red Hand Commando, all illegal organisations, continue to exist and to engage in criminal and violent activity. This fact seems not to concern the media nor Peter Robinson. Why not? – Yours, etc,
DON URWIN ,
Tubbercurry,
Co Sligo.
Sir, – Only this month three loyalist paramilitary groups, the UDA, the UVF and the Red Hand Commando, joined to form the “Loyalist Communities Council”. It is accepted by both governments that since calling a ceasefire in 1994, these three paramilitary groups have been involved in feuds and turf wars among rival loyalist factions which have led to numerous murders in the intervening decades. That loyalist paramilitaries still exist in any shape or form is a direct affront to democracy. – Yours, etc,
ANNE SHEVLIN,
Claremorris,
Co Mayo.