Sir, - It is one of the fundamental requirements of a democratic, civil society that the courts be respected and obeyed. We place great emphasis on their fairness and integrity to the extent that at the suggestion of scandal, resignations follow, as we have seen in recent years.
The action of the Irish Farmers' Association in openly defying an order of the High Court must be confronted. It is imperative that there be no doubt in anyone's mind that one cannot defy the courts and win. It is indeed to be regretted that a senior member of the Executive of this country is criticised by a member of the Judiciary about his lack of support for the courts.
The IFA must behave like all other citizens of this country. It is not above the law, no ifs, buts or maybes. - Yours, etc.,
T. Gerard Bennett, Sausalito, California, USA.