Sir, - According to Martin McGuinness, the arrest of Martin Ferris is "a deliberate attempt. . .to interfere with the democratic process in North Kerry" (The Irish Times, March 12th). Yet Mr McGuinness contacted the Taoiseach's office to try to secure Mr Ferris's release.
Surely if Sinn Féin knew anything about democracy and its workings it would be aware of the independence of the Garda from Government and how political interference in the operations of the Garda goes against the fundamentals of democracy. Also, Mr McGuinness's view on whether or not Mr Ferris has a case to answer or not is irrelevant to the operations of the Garda.
The Garda acts upon its own intelligence, not what the Government or anyone else tells them to do. Maybe it's a good thing that Sinn Féin has shown us its attitude to the operation of justice before the forthcoming election so people may vote accordingly! - Yours, etc.,
JOHN VERLING,
Lispole,
Dingle,
Co Kerry.