Madam, - I abhor Sinn Féin and the IRA and their murderous anti-democratic ideologies and practices. This said, the current hysteria about how this State will deal with three men of dubious character is also anti-democratic. These men should be interviewed by gardaí, who should then forward a file to the DPP if necessary on the matter of their alleged use of false passports, which is surely a crime. The issue of their possible extradition must be examined by the courts.
Calls for our politicians to intervene in this case are against all democratic principles. Such action would be a deliberate flouting of the separation of powers, and a tyrannical act.
It seems to me that the three were certainly up to no good in Colombia, and without doubt this case should be examined, but there are mechanisms to deal with this set down in our law. If the courts decide the law cannot address these issues, these men must be free to go about their business. If punishment is warranted, then it should be given, and they should be imprisoned or extradited as the courts decide.
It also should be said that the manner in which their case was prosecuted in Colombia left a great deal to be desired. It was clear to any observer that the Colombian government doesn't have any scruples about influencing the judiciary - hardly surprising for a government allegedly up to its eyes in drug money, corruption, and nefarious, repressive activities. Jumping to extradite these men on the imperious instructions of the US, or the high-pitched and disingenuous demands from the Colombian government would send a signal to the world that we don't value Ireland's sovereignty and independence.
Farc, like Sinn Féin/IRA, is anti-democratic, violent, and criminal. But this shouldn't cause us to abandon our democratic principles and our system of justice.
That Bertie saw fit to even engage in a conversation with US representatives on this issue is a disgrace. In such small moments is our independence worn away. That Enda Kenny is calling for a political intervention in a judicial issue sends a worrying message about his commitment to democracy. - Yours, etc,
CORMAC MACGOWAN, Delgany, Co Wicklow.