Madam, – Three letters made very important remarks on the history of events in Ireland since 1969 (James P Kelly, Dick Keane and Danny Morrison, all June 24th). The late Capt Kelly was a political scapegoat of the Jack Lynch-led Fianna Fáil government. He was “the patsy” while the culprits, Haughey and Blaney were let off the hook: if a successful prosecution had been taken against Haughey and cohorts they would have had to resign their seats, and if they had then operated outside the restraint of the Dáil this could have led to the collapse of democracy and a civil war throughout the island.
These letters along with Gerry Adams's piece (Opinion, June 22nd) clearly illustrate the need for truth and reconciliation discussions all over the island. For only the real history of Ireland from 1916 to recent times, and not biased aspects of Irish history will create peace and unity. There are many sides to every story. To omit or falsify one side, makes it not alone erroneous, but dangerous. What better example than in the closing lines of Homer's Odyssey: ". . . and let us make them forget the death of their brothers and sons, and let them be friends with each other, as in the time past, and let them have prosperity and peace in abundance". – Yours, etc,