Madam, - I would like to applaud the decision of a US judge (Irish Times, October 27th) to refuse to extradite a Unitarian minister wanted by the Irish authorities for "assisting" a woman to commit suicide. It beggars belief that the Department of Justice used scarce resources to pursue this man while at the same time the perpetrators of horrific crimes are not being brought to justice because Garda resources are not available. The minister, who has been in jail since June as a result of the Irish extradition request, came to this country at the request of a woman who wanted to end her life.
Some people may think this was not a good thing to do but it seems likely that the average Irish citizen who lives in fear would prefer to see resources put into solving the crimes which affect their daily lives rather than wasting money on this ridiculous pursuit. - Yours, etc,
CARMEL COURTNEY,
Sandyford Road,
Dublin 16.