Sir, - As we try to come to terms with the horrific events of September 11th, I believe it is now time to look at the part that we the Irish people can play in assuring that a tragedy of such proportions can never happen again.
It is now time for all paramilitary organisations, be they orange or green to put all arms and explosives beyond use. The arguments put forward by Adams and McGuinness, as to what the Good Friday agreement required or did not require is no longer relevant. Either they support democracy or they support terrorists. There is no longer room for them to stand on the fence.
I would say to Irish Americans who sent money to support the so-called struggle for freedom, it is not only misguided but it is wrong. This money sent over decades has been used to buy guns and bomb-making equipment and has caused tragedies on a scale as horrific in Irish towns such as Omagh and Enniskillen, relative to there size as the recent tragic events in Manhattan and Washington.
Finally, I would call on the leaders of all Christian churches to be louder in their condemnation of events in Northern Ireland, which are clearly wrong. As an example of this the intimidation of innocent children walking down the Ardoyne Road, on the way to school. Such actions are clearly wrong in a civilised society and must be condemned without qualification or reservation. - Yours etc.
Fred Revington, Crowenstown, Delvin, Co Westmeath.