Madam, - Michael McDowell and Bertie Ahern say they will release the IRA killers of Det Garda Jerry McCabe if the IRA orders "a complete and total cessation of paramilitarism". Is this the old terrorist line - "we will release the hostages if . . ." - in reverse?
These people were elected to lead, not to pander to the IRA. - Yours, etc.,
DERMOT O'SHEA, Meadow Grove, Churchtown, Dublin 16.
Madam, - Fergus Ahern (May 11th) is quite correct in deploring the release of Garda McCabe's killers. Unfortunately we are too late to avoid shaking hands with anarchy. That Pandora's box was opened when other killers were released in the forlorn hope of buying peace. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL DOLAN, Wilderness Grove, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
Madam, - This is a matter for a referendum. - Yours, etc.,
DEREK McCANN, The Cloisters, Bettystown, Co Meath.