Sir, - I had the fulfilling experience of campaigning for Mary Robinson during the presidential elections and I was also able to help the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition during the local elections.
Both campaigns sought to highlight and correct the imbalance of women in public life and encourage more participation by half of the population.
In the case of Northern Ireland this is particularly relevant because the male domination of politics may be a barrier to ensuring balanced representation, opportunity and protection for all the members of society.
Hard-line politicians and paramilitaries all have mothers, wives or sisters and their influence could moderate attitudes and underpin the moves towards lasting peace. The beneficiaries will be particularly mothers and children whose future should not include the corrosive bitterness and strife of the past 30 years.
The Northern Ireland Women's Coalition is to be congratulated on its courage and determination to continue their political struggle. Nuala O'Faolain, in her article of April 27th, painted a rather bleak picture of its future political prospects but more optimistic readers can help by contacting the Friends of Northern Ireland Women's Coalition at 37 Main Street, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. - Yours, etc., Cartan Finegan
Maretimo House, Blackrock, Co Dublin.