Madam, - Noel Dempsey, Minister for Communications and also my local TD, recently gave a strong defence of the Government regarding the release of the killers of Det Garda Jerry McCabe (Letters, December 15th). For him, the intent is "sincere", and an attempt to "draw a line" under the past.
Similarly, the Taoiseach has justified the release as part of a "comprehensive deal", while you yourself have described it as for "the greater good" (Editorial, December 2nd).
I think most people accept the Government's sincerity in the objectives it seeks. What they find repellent is the cavalier way political leaders have jettisoned solemn commitments to the McCabe family. Even more questionable is the utilitarian morality of the bargain itself. If the right to justice of a blameless citizen and faithful servant of the State can be sacrificed for a "comprehensive deal" with men who are basically in revolt, then where will it stop?
I think the ordinary people of this State believe that there is a certain absoluteness about their rights, and are profoundly uneasy about any abridgement, particularly when it appears to be a concession made out of fear rather than out of mercy.
We can all imagine the triumphalism that will greet the release of these men. For against the utilitarian morality of the Government, and the absolute preference of most people in this regard, there is the morality of the killers themselves. To them anything that serves the cause of Sinn Féin and the IRA is right. Otherwise, how could they justify such a despicable act as this? No repentance has been shown, no retribution has been made, some of the gang are still at large, and even Sinn Féin's elected representatives have made a pilgrimage to Castlerea to hero-worship the prisoners.
Governments exist to defend the rights of the people. If the McCabe killers get early release, I think the majority of peace-loving citizens, not just Ann McCabe and her family, can be entitled to feel betrayed. - Yours, etc.,
TOBY JOYCE, Balreask Manor, Navan, Co Meath.