Sir, Regarding the extradition controversy relative to Mr Anthony Duncan, I quote an extract from The Irish Times (May 25th): "A senior British police officer travelled to Dublin that Friday" (this referred to April 12th) "and handed extradition papers to senior gardai at about 9.45 pm. The documents went into the custody of a sergeant attached to the extradition section in GHQ in the Phoenix Park."
They were photocopied in their entirety, and complete sets were sent to the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General for examination and subsequent direction on how to proceed. The original set of documents remained at Garda GHQ. "Just after midnight on Saturday, April 13th, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, and the Attorney General, Dermot Gleeson, signalled that the Gardai could endorse the warrant for execution here".
It is not clear to me what form of signal was sent, whether written, telephonic or other form, or in which of the two official languages of the State.
No doubt this matter will be the subject of vigorous debate in the coming days. One hopes that the chances of error will be much reduced in such future matters, so that our Republic will at least maintain its happy position of respect in the European Community.
My main reason for writing is my respect for the Garda Siochana. I recently wrote to the senior officer in my area commenting on the efficiency and courtesy of members of the force; I specified many events witnessed over the past 30 years. Our police are dedicated and efficient, often facing vicious physical and verbal assault, and I am grateful for their unbiased protection. Let not politicians try to pass any mistakes to the men and women who give vigilant service 24 hours daily for relatively meagre material awards.
As a humble poet, may I offer to our present political masters the words of Gray;
The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power;
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
Awaits alike th' inevitable hour:
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
-Yours, etc.,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.