Sir, - Des Keenan (July 3rd) states: "There is little any of us can do to persuade the IRA to destroy its arms, but there is a great deal Irish Catholics can do to bring about permanent peace in Ireland.
"The first thing is to beg forgiveness of the Protestants for the innumerable injuries they and their forefathers inflicted upon them in the past and up to the present day."
I am on my knees, Des.
I apologise for being born in a Catholic ghetto with the highest infant mortality rate, unemployment rate and worst housing conditions in Western Europe. I apologise for being born in an artificially created sectarian state.
I apologise for having to leave my country and seek work in England. I apologise for being arrested and charged with multiple murder, being abused and mistreated by police, who lied and perjured. I apologise for receiving natural life in prison. I apologise that Lord Donaldson had to apologise that the death penalty was not an option at my trial.
I apologise for spending 15 years in prison (a total of five in solitary). I apologise for being innocent.
I feel better already, Des (for which I deeply apologise). - Yours, etc.,
Paul Michael Hill, Bethseda, Maryland, USA.