Madam, - In his speech to Sinn Féin's special ardhheis on Sunday, Gerry Adams claimed the party's decision to endorse policing in Northern Ireland would "advance our struggle" to bring about "a united Ireland".
This has merely confirmed what reasonable people in Northern Ireland have known for many years: that the aim of creating a fair and just police force for dealing with present-day concerns has been subordinated to the long-term goals of particular political parties. Sinn Féin has been the biggest culprit, although all parties have been inclined to see policing as an "issue" which requires them to summons all their political cunning and dexterity to ensure that it is "resolved" to their satisfaction.
The concerns of most people, however, are far removed from this strange political game. Indeed, they cannot see what it is about policing that is so hard for our politicians to understand. They want a force that will stop and catch criminals; they are concerned about theft and drugs and road accidents and the like. Policing and justice issues should not be devolved until the political parties in the North have fully grasped this concept. These are the only preconditions which matter; and they are the only criteria by which the prospect of devolution should be considered. - Yours, etc,
DAVID SHIELS, Peterhouse, Cambridge, England.
Madam, - Sinn Féin's acceptance of the PSNI is perhaps the biggest move either side of the divide has made towards completing the peace process. The result of Sunday's vote shows the commitment of republicans to a peaceful future for the six counties, even after reports of collusion between loyalists and the RUC have been shown to be fact.
It is time that Dr Paisley and his DUP colleagues made the same commitment to peace and contributed towards a power-sharing government that will benefit the whole community. - Yours, etc,
EAMON SINNOTT, Killaloe, Co Clare.
A Chara, - PD leader Michael McDowell is quoted in your edition of January 30th, lamenting, in typically begrudging fashion, that republicans had not supported and respected the police force of Northern Ireland "in the immediate aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement".
Just over a week ago, Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan documented atrocities involving the the same police force during the period following the Agreement. Her report has awakened many in this State to the reality that was the "nationalist nightmare" for decades.
During the dark and turbulent years when "that troublesome northern tribe" looked south seeking help they were met largely with either cold indifference or naked hostility. Collusion was, after all, an illusion - or simply "republican propaganda".
Sections of the southern political and media establishment stand accused. I wonder if they will now be courageous enough to take responsibility for the distorted picture that was sold to an entire generation in this State. While I won't be expecting any conversion from anti-republican figures such as Michael McDowell, perhaps others may now be prepared to show some understanding of why so many in the nationalist community were reluctant to support the forces of "law and order". - Is mise,
FIONNTAN Ó SUILLEABHÁIN, Baile Atha Cliath 1.
Madam,- Now that a large majority of Sinn Féin delegates have voted in favour of supporting the PSNI, could they not go one step further and declare that they are giving their full support to An Garda Síochána as well? - Is mise,
BEAIRTLE Ó CONGHAILE, Cúirt an Choláiste, Dún Dealgan, Co Lú.