Capital Punishment

Sir, - Might I point out to W.G.A

Sir, - Might I point out to W.G.A. Scott (May 8th) that if, as he claims, capital punishment was really a deterrent, Timothy McVeigh would not have planted his bomb in the first place. - Yours, etc.,

David Smith, Harmonstown Road, Artane, Dublin 5.

Sir, - To clarify W.G.A Scotts's letter of May 8th, Timothy McVeigh's execution is not being "shown on American television". It is being shown on closed circuit TV because many of the injured victims and family members of the deceased want to see it. In fact, many steps are being taken to ensure that the signal cannot be intercepted by any other parties. Whether one is strongly in favor of, or vehemently against, the death penalty, let's not sensationalise it by spreading false rumours. - Yours, etc.,

Paul Connolly, River Road, New York, USA.