Reynolds and the Cahill funeral

Madam, - Unlike James Walsh (July 31st), I did not take offence at the attendance of the former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds at …

Madam, - Unlike James Walsh (July 31st), I did not take offence at the attendance of the former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds at the funeral of Mr Joe Cahill. On the contrary, for Mr Reynolds to have done otherwise would have been political cowardice. Mr Reynolds as Taoiseach displayed extraordinary courage and foresight when he agreed to meet the Sinn Féin leadership in efforts to bring about a ceasefire.

The Belfast Agreement would not be in existence today were it not for Mr Reynolds's political bravery. Long after the begrudgers, peace rejectionists and political pygmies who infest our body politic are gone, Mr Reynolds will have secured his place in Irish history as the man who took chances for peace and won.

Why he was overlooked for a share of the Nobel Peace Prize with Mr John Hume and Mr David Trimble remains a mystery to me. - Yours, etc.,

TOM COOPER, Delaford Lawn, Knocklyon, Dublin 16.