Sir, - The killing by the IRA of the two RUC men in Lurgan was brutal, appalling and unacceptable. However, I find the knee jerk response of both governments towards Sinn Fein shortsighted and illogical.
If we accept that peace is attainable and worth attaining, we must continue to talk and increase the dialogue, especially in darker days. Dialogue must continue with Sinn Fein, because if Gerry Adams cannot convince the IRA to put down arms, nobody will.
We must accept that Gerry Adams is seeking peace. His silence and that of other members of Sinn Fein clearly indicates that they do not accept violence by the IRA as useful or acceptable.
We can accept their silence as a code of condemnation. Both governments should talk nonstop until peace is achieved - none of this stepping in and out of talks after every act of violence.
Men of violence don't listen easily. Continue to talk the bullets down! - Yours, etc.,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.