Sir, - Raymond Seitz's devastating revelations that Jean Kennedy Smith was "an ardent IRA apologist" comes as no major surprise as it has been known for some time that she is partisan in her approach towards Ulster. The Kennedys, encouraged by Irish-American "Four Green Fields" lobbyists, believe they have a right to intervene in Irish affairs and to question the validity of the Border that was solemnly agreed in 1921 and subsequently ratified by the Dail in 1922. This United Kingdom border is as valid as, for instance, the US/Mexican border. Continued negative interference by America's leading family has been tacitly supported by successive Irish governments which give a higher priority to the good will of the Kennedys than to the pursuit of pluralism on this island.
Fortunately, events have moved on with Sinn Fein sympathisers in the White House being replaced and experiences like Canary Wharf making an impression. However, the democratic majority in Northern Ireland know the Kennedys actively work against them and will now rightly be saying "I told you so". They see the continued presence of Jean Kennedy Smith as ambassador to this State undermining the neutral role of the admirable Senator George Mitchell. To indicate that he is not being subjected to the manipulation of the Kennedys, President Clinton should now recall his ambassador in Dublin. - Yours, etc.,
Cullenswood, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.