Madam, - Dr Colm Stephens of The Irish Anti-War Movement (Dec. 10th) claims that protesters at Shannon Airport have adopted principles of non-violent protest and pose no threat to the safety of aircraft at the airport.
I find it ironic, then, that in the same letter he should remind us that earlier this year protesters not only breached security at the airport but have also inflicted damage to aircraft there.
This type of "peaceful" protest not only puts the protesters themselves at risk, but also members of the public travelling through the airport.
From the point of view of airport staff members, whose cars were spat at, kicked, stoned and climbed on as they arrived for work on December 6th, this protest was nothing short of violent and out of control.
Dr. Stephens also asks why it is that members of An Garda Síochána confiscate weapons from protesters while they themselves carry weapons.
The fact is, Dr Stephens, that the gardaí are not there for a fair fight, but to protect the public and maintain increased security levels at Shannon Airport.
Can Dr Stephens account for the violent behaviour of members of the Irish Anti-War Movement towards airport staff and members of the gardaí? - Yours, etc.,
PAUL CAMPBELL, Beresford Avenue, Dublin 9.