Sir, - Since the horrific events of September 11th many of your columnists and correspondents have been critical of United States foreign policy in the Middle East and the Balkans. Some have gone further and recommended that Ireland should not participate in any American retaliation. This will not have gone unnoticed by our American friends.
While American policies have been imperfect in the past, America has a right to defend itself against attack. There is no guarantee that there will not be another outrage. There is a real risk that the next terrorist tactic will be to use biological, chemical, or even an improvised nuclear weapon against her citizens.
Let us not forget that Ireland is directly involved. Irish citizens were killed in the recent attacks. Furthermore, Ireland has benefited enormously from American investment and patronage in the past 10 years.
For these reasons the Taoiseach should make specialist military resources available to the US. The Defence Forces have, in the form of the Army's Ranger wing, over 100 motivated, excellently trained individuals with invaluable experience of the Middle East and other theatres.
Without courageous support of this kind, some of the views expressed in the media risk alienating a great and noble nation which has been our friend and sponsor since we first took our place among the democratic countries of the world. - Is mise,
Alan Finlay, Kew, London.