Sir, - If the suspension of the Good Friday institutions is defined as nothing but a (warning) shot across the bow, it must be possible for all involved to re-instate these institutions before the end of the month. The point has been made very clearly (no co-operation with Sinn Fein without decommissioning by the IRA) and all involved will create for themselves and for each other the opportunity to continue with the peace process at least till the end of May.
The Good Friday agreement was and still is a very courageous effort to reconcile extremes. In many multi-party democracies the majority parties in the centre do not allow sectarian or extremist parties to take part in government. In this respect Northern Ireland under the Good Friday agreement is a shining exception.
On the other hand, it is not against democratic custom (defined in terms of majority rule) to exclude parties that are unwilling to compromise. However, in the case of Northern Ireland such a decision should not be taken before June 1st. It goes without saying that it will be better in all respects that decommissioning will take place before that date, so that Sinn Fein can continue to play its role in the recently created democratic institutions. Yours, etc.
Dr Jan Van Putten, Lismore, Co Waterford.