VERONICA GUERIN

Sir, - As a human rights worker and former employee of the Independent, may I add publicly my revulsion at the horrific execution of journalist Veronica Guerin.

Without any doubt, this is also an attack on the State and its people - an attack, in other words, on all of us. A democratically accountable police force and journalistic integrity are among the very few safeguards which guarantee our right to live as a free people. In the last couple of weeks we've seen two of those guarantees destroyed before our very eyes, and the condemnations have been, in most cases, loud and vociferous. It is, however, incumbent upon us all - not just the politicians, but each citizen of this State - to assist in every way possible to help return this country to a quality of life the majority still remember.

By the execution of Jerry McCabe, and now the execution of Veronica Guerin, the entire population has been told in no uncertain terms to see no evil, hear no evil, and speak about no evil.

The answer to this challenge, to this impunity, and the only possible tribute to McCabe and Guerin and all who have given their lives for truth and freedom, is to give every possible and lawful assistance to the gardai, even if only through the confidential telephone number.

And for those journalists whose copy revolves around the worthless gibberish of social gossip and character assassination, perhaps a quick refresher course in what is truly important and worth investigating. . . - Yours, etc.,

Director,

Rescue Trust,

Capel Chambers, 119 Capel Street, Dublin 1.