Sir, – The right to peacefully demonstrate is never in question in this country.
At public meetings it is normal to declare oneself before speaking so that, as far as feasible, those present can know the bona fides and political association (if any) of the speaker. Letter writers to The Irish Times are no exception because no letter can be published without providing name, address and phone number.
[ Balaclavas to be banned when used to ‘intimidate’ under new plansOpens in new window ]
To those hiding their identity, I say: if your beliefs are genuine and worthy of being expressed, show your face and stand up and be counted. Anything less is cowardice. – Yours, etc,
MARION WALSH,
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Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – I think your correspondent, Barry Walsh misses the point (Letters, August 7th).
Balaclavas are worn at these violent demonstrations not as an “item of clothing” but as a means of disguise.
To say people who commit a breach of the peace can be moved on or arrested whether disguised or not is, to say the least, naive. Most arrests are made later following the scouring of CCTV footage.
Demonstrators wear balaclavas for this very reason. Banks and other institutions ban the wearing of full face crash helmets!
We are living in dangerous times where our democracy is threatened. Banning face coverings at non-peaceful demonstrations is for the greater good. – Yours, etc,
DONAL CARLIN,
Ballyconnell,
Co Cavan.