Sir, - The democratic principle is sacred, even when the democratically elected espouse views that run contrary to that principle. If we seek to undermine the mandate of minorities with whom we disagree we only serve to weaken the democratic principle, allowing its enemies to exploit and corrupt it.
Recent events in Northern Ireland and Austria should make it clear that democracy must be presented to minorites, extremists, fundamentalists and even terrorists as an unconditional and unaltered means of establishing a political mandate. Imposing majority views on these groups will only serve to strenghen their resolve and belief in using nondemocratic means to achieve their political goals. - Yours, etc.,
Garreth McDaid, Sandyford, Dublin 18