Madam, - I cannot agree with the reported assertion of the president of the Law Society (The Irish Times, December 2nd) that "witness intimidation was not a widespread problem and that most trials proceeded in a normal fashion".
On the contrary, intimidation of witnesses in the course of criminal trials is a common phenomenon and has become part of the "stock in trade" of those involved in crime.
I do agree with the president of the Law Society and the Minister for Justice that a "knee-jerk" reaction to the problem is not appropriate. It would however, appear that the serious extent of the problem is not appreciated by the Minister and others.
This lack of appreciation and the inertia in dealing with it will be regretted sooner rather than later. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL D. MURRAY, State Solicitor - Limerick City, President of the State Solicitors of Ireland, O'Connell Street, Limerick.