Sir, - In local and national newspapers, Fianna Fβil TDs last week used the arrest of three Irishmen in Colombia as a tool to attack Sinn FΘin. This is unfortunate. At the time of writing little is known about the circumstances of their arrests other than has been provided by so-called "security sources". If any other organisation attempted to vilify three Irish nationals before they received a fair hearing Fianna Fβil would call for an inquiry.
The Fianna Fβil deputies claim that because it is suspected that these men were republicans then Sinn FΘin should answer for their actions. This does not make sense. It is suggested that some of the men may have been members of Sinn FΘin in the past. So what? Liam Lawlor is still a member of Fianna Fβil. Ray Burke was a minister in a Fianna Fβil government (this Fianna Fβil government). Charlie Haughey was the party leader.
If we are to follow the logic expressed last week, should we therefore expect Bertie Ahern and his parliamentary party to take responsibility for their actions? If not, I would suggest that elected representatives stop trying to make political capital from the arrest of three people who have been convicted of no crime. - Yours, etc.,
Gary McEneaney, Cashlan West, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan.