Madam, - Given the Government's response to the latest crisis in the peace process I'm not surprised that Sinn Féin/IRA has lost little electoral support. Having agreed to the establishment of the Independent Monitoring Commission, the Taoiseach then undermined its report on Republican criminal activity such as the Northern Bank Robbery by saying in advance that he was opposed to any sanctions being imposed on Sinn Féin. Then he said he was also opposed to the return of a power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland if Sinn Féin/IRA were excluded; this was after the murder of Robert McCartney.
The Taoiseach cited as the guiding principle behind his policy the fear that Republicans would return to full-scale terrorism to subvert the will of the people on the island. What an appalling example of appeasement: in effect, Republicans have been given a stranglehold on the democratic future of this island North and South.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern then struck another disturbing note telling us he would intervene with the US administration to try to ensure that Sinn Féin would not be excluded from the St Patrick's Day celebrations. Now, as a result of his action, all democratic parties in Northern Ireland may be excluded from the festivities in the White House. The message being sent by Government seems clear: both the innocent and guilty should be treated equally.
Can you imagine the Taoiseach's reaction if a rival competitor fouled a member of his favourite football team and the referee called the game off rather than showing the offender the red card? - Yours, etc.,
TONY MORIARTY Shanid Road, Dublin 6W.
Madam, - I applaud the courage of Minister for Justice Michael McDowell and the Government in their attempts to end violence and criminality on our island. Mr McDowell is a true patriot who works tirelessly for the benefit of all Irish citizens. - Yours, etc.,
CAROLINE CASLIN, St Helen's Road, Booterstown, Co Dublin.