Madam, - Fr Alex Reid is neither the first person nor will he be the last to use, in the words of the Taoiseach, "inadvisable" language which he later regrets - not least because it may undermine the integrity of the great work which he has undertaken for peace.
All credit too to the Rev Harold Good for his support of Fr Reid in witnessing the degree of decommissioning which has taken place and for standing by Fr Reid during the understandable reaction to his statement at Fitzroy Presbyterian Hall.
Language outburst can be a greatly exaggerated reflection of long-suppressed feelings of hurt concerning attitudes and actions aimed against friends, acquaintances and groups with which the affected person is associated.
In this totally human situation, goodwill must surely now come forward to prevail so that all that has been gained is not put at risk. In this context, the unleashing of tensions may well, in the long run, have done us all a service for it exposed, albeit in a very raw and very hurtful manner, just how deeply Northern Ireland has become polarised. There is a great challenge ahead and it is up to all whose priority is peace and security in Ireland to re-double their efforts in order to achieve these desirable objectives. In this respect, a few remaining copies of the New Ireland Group's most recent pamphlet, "Farewell to Arms" are still available at cost for anyone on request. - Yours, etc,
JOHN ROBB, Consensor, New Ireland Group, Hopefield Avenue, Portrush, Co Antrim.