Sir, - The issue of symbols of the police is a reflection of continuing divisions in our society, despite the great progress made in recent months. No workable solution to this can be found unless it respects the identity of both unionists and nationalists.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has decided that the issue of the service badge of the police should be referred to the new Police Board when it is set up. We suggest that both the George Cross and St Brigid's Cross be used as symbols of the police in future. Despite the grave abuses of human rights by individual police officers and the continuing determination of the RUC to avoid proper investigation of these - the Rosemary Nelson case is simply the most recent example - nonetheless many RUC officers served with distinction during the Troubles.
Putting the George Cross - recently awarded to the RUC - on the badge of the police in future, would be a fitting link with the positive elements of the past. Using the St Brigid's Cross would also be a way of recognising the Celtic background of Irish people in Northern Ireland.
The reaction to both Patten and the Secretary of State's statement shows that we have a long way to go before we consider policing, not from a point of view of sectarian politics, but from the need to have a police service which will both prevent and reduce the level of crime in the community from whatever source. - Yours, etc.,
Eithne Kelly, On behalf of the Religious for Justice and Peace Group, Conference of Religious in Ireland, Springfield Road, Belfast 12.