Sir, - The PUP's threat to pull out of the Northern talks because of the release of republican prisoners in the South is misguided. Prisoner releases should not be subject to a unionist veto as they are a matter of equality. Here in the Republic, loyalist prisoners and British agents were given (very) early releases before any ceasefire.
In the North, two British soldiers (Thain and Clegg), who were convicted of the murder of unarmed Irish children, were released (and received promotion!) after serving only about two years each. In contrast, some republican prisoners, many of whom were dubiously convicted on vague conspiracy charges, have served over 22 years in prison.
Given the present stalemate in the peace process and the threat of crisis to come, the British government could give us all some hope for the New Year by ensuring equality in the treatment of convicted British soldiers (whose victims have feelings too) and of loyalist and republican prisoners. - Yours, etc.,
From Thomas Peavoy
Burren Court, Dublin 11.