Sir, - I would like to comment on the rails against the Garda that have been appearing in your newspaper in recent days. Videotapes and snapshot photographs reflect a moment in time. They do not and cannot be entirely representative of a whole event.
I am a veteran of many marches. I was marching in civil rights demonstrations in the United States before most of the marchers on bank holiday Monday were born. I know what a peaceful protest march is all about. I also know what pre-determined violent protesters can do to tarnish an orderly political gathering. I have long since come to the conclusion that they should be dealt with severely.
Historically, they look for any excuse to incite violence. They have very little respect for themselves and none for others. It appears that this was the case on Monday and I am glad that the Garda reacted the way they did. Thursday's march was carried on without incident. It seems the message is now clear: peaceful protest is fine and quite healthy for the democratic process; violent protest is not acceptable and will result in a strong response from law enforcers.
Last Thursday, some protesters taunted the Garda along the march route. This was dismissed as a taunt. Can you imagine the public outcry if the guards had jeered and taunted the poor protesters in the same way? There are ignorant people who are simply out to make trouble. On bank holiday Monday they found it. Good for the Garda. - Yours, etc.,
TOM CAHILL,
Dublin 2.