A chara, - I read with interest Sinn Féin's Daithí Doolan's remarks concerning Michael McDowell's views on the fugitives from Colombia (August 25th).
Cllr Doolan asks: "Is he seriously suggesting that he accepts the extremely dubious methods used to secure convictions against these men on appeal? Does he believe in secret tribunals overturning the verdict of an open court, which heard all the evidence?"
I wonder if Cllr Doolan would ask these same questions of those who preside at the kangaroo courts that have operated on this island for decades, handing out punishment beatings and worse. Did he pose these questions to those who ordered the execution and disappearance of Jean McConville and so many others?
Am I alone in feeling a little queasy when Sinn Féin public representatives start to lecture on the subject of human and civil rights?
I have grave misgivings about the Colombian justice system but I would equally strongly criticise the abuse of civil and human rights by Farc.
I challenge Cllr Doolan to respond and to state unequivocally that, in addition to his criticism of the Colombian government, he and his party are opposed to the terrorist actions of Farc, to its policies of drug smuggling, kidnapping and murder. No weasel language, Councillor, either it is right or wrong. - Is mise le meas,
Cllr MALCOLM BYRNE, Fianna Fáil, Gorey Town Council, Co Wexford.