Sir, - The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister have both stated that unless republican and loyalist paramilitaries decommission their weapons the peace process cannot proceed.
I think the time has come for the Irish people, north and south of the Border, who voted overwhelmingly for the 1998 Belfast Agreement to make a public and unmistakable affirmation to that effect.
Not long ago one million Spaniards marched through Madrid to protest at ETA's resumption of terrorist tactics. Let us see several hundred thousand Irish people from all walks of life, from Cork to Coleraine, make a similar demonstration in Dublin to demand the surrender or verifiable destruction of all weapons held by the IRA, Ulster Freedom Fighters, Ulster Volunteers, the lot.
The main concentration should be in Dublin as a show of solidarity by all in the island who believe in constitutional politics. They should be led by representatives of all parties, local government, religious denominations, community organisations, business leaders, sports and cultural organisations.
A supporting demonstration should be held at Stormont for local Ulster emphasis and to provide a focus for those unable to gather in Dublin.
With an assembly in Phoenix Park, the procession could take the North quays by the river, turn at O'Connell Street and go over the bridge, through College Green by the old Houses of Parliament, round Trinity College and up Kildare Street to disperse after passing Dail Eireann.
People from Sandy Row and the Coombe, farmers from the Golden Vale and the Braid Valley, Orangemen and republicans who accept constitutional procedures as the only way forward, teachers and instructors, students throughout the land longing for and needing a peaceful future - that would be a sight to see.
It would galvanise the political leaders in Dublin, Belfast and London and the paramilitaries could not ignore it. - Yours, etc.,
Desmond McGimpsey, Brandon Grove, Bangor, Co Down.