Sir, - Dessie Ellis (July 19th) claims that my assertion (June 26th) that part of the explanation for the large increase in the Sinn Fein vote in the local elections in Finglas was a perception among part of the electorate that the Provos would act as a proxy police force of last resort, is simply wrong. I disagree. Combating paramilitary activity is Garda business and the local Finglas station has not received formal complaints of paramilitary threats. However, that is no surprise. The July edition of Magill magazine offers a vignette of incidents which would indicate that I am not confabulating.
Over the past few years, many public meetings have been called by local residents in the Finglas area to seek solutions from gardai and local representatives to the erosion of the quality of life caused by thuggery and drug dealing. Problems are tackled, only to recur. What is needed is a "Quality of Life Charter" underwritten by the Garda and Dublin Corporation. The Garda should issue an annual report to the local community outlining its work so that accountability for performance and resource usage is clear.
Recently, Garda manpower in Finglas has been strengthened to a record 83. Helicopter overflights have been obvious. The relief on the ground is palpable, yet silent protests in Lakeglen, Finglas South continue over obvious local drug trafficking.
Committees of local residents standing up to bullies is often a euphemism for vigilantism. I support the Garda, not private operators. I hope that Dessie Ellis reported to the Garda the physical attack on himself and other Sinn Fein supporters "against which we successfully defended ourselves". Sinn Fein's intention to campaign for creches, clubhouses, racetracks, etc. is very laudable. Much better Sinn Fein, the Mary Poppins Party, than Sinn Fein, the Police Party. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Bill Tormey, Glasnevin Avenue, Dublin 11.