Sir, - David Trimble deserves the recognition of all of us for the courageous stand he has taken in subscribing to the Good Friday agreement on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party. However, his side-swipe last Saturday at the electorate in the Republic when he stated that, if there wasn't a strong Yes vote in our referendum, it would be regarded as "a sneaking regard for the men of violence", was totally unjustified. The electorate here has consistently rejected candidates who support violence. This is a matter of record.
If, however, this really is his view and not just a case of playing to the crowd, then presumably he sees the opposition of Mr Donaldson, Mr Ross et al as evidence of "a sneaking regard" within his own party for the men of violence?
He can't have it both ways. - Yours, etc.,
T. Gerard Bennett,
Templeroan Park, Knocklyon, Dublin 16.