Sir, I applaud the initiative taken by a group of women in Dublin to show concern and support for Roisin McAliskey on International Women's Day by sending flowers to her at Holloway Prison. Regardless of one's political convictions or personal background, the situation in which this young, vulnerable woman has been placed, prior to any conviction, is an intolerable one and calls for a response from all women, mothers, daughters - as well as from fathers, husbands, partners and sons.
The harsh, degrading treatment to which Roisin is subjected includes strip searching and no physical contact with family. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the baby is in sharp contrast to. the messages beamed at us from all the Mother's Day cards, and points up the need for International Women's Day.
Flowers can be sent through any branch of Interflora to Roisin McAliskey Flower Appeal, c/o Caledonian Flower House Ltd. 430 Caledonian Road, London, N7, to arrive tomorrow morning, March 8th. They can be booked in advance. It is a simple gesture, but one which springs from the same spirit which gave rise to international Women's Day and Mother's Day. - Yours, etc.,
Farney Park,
Dublin 4.