Sir, - I read with a sense of emptiness, though not surprise, of the opposition from various political parties with regard to the current events in the Balkans. What saddened me the most was that not one of the people quoted offered any kind of alternative action to that now taking place. This accords with my observations in recent years of the lack of interest among the Irish population in events in the Balkans. Their lack of concern reminds me of the general attitude of people in the South towards the people of the North. As long as it's not happening here, etc. . .
I assume these people are aware that the current military action is taking place only because of the diplomatic process either breaking down or being ignored altogether by President Milosevic. I would remind them that this is a man with a well documented track record of "ethnic cleansing" and of breaking promises and signed agreements. Perhaps those politicians who oppose NATO's actions should get together and build some facilities in Ireland capable of housing and taking care of the displaced refugees. This could include finding employment for the adults and education for the children. In this way perhaps one would accept their opposition a little more seriously. - Yours, etc., John Farrell,
Quincy Street, Boston, USA.