Madam, - I would like to correct the impression that may have been given by your obituary of Lord Fitt in last Saturday's edition that I had engaged in attacking the reputation of the man before he was cold in the grave.
The obituary draws on my book Minority Verdict for remarks which are critical of Gerry Fitt, taken out of context and without the balancing quotations which would have given a more rounded view.
I would like to make it clear that I had no communication with the writer of what I otherwise found to be a comprehensive and balanced obituary.
My own assessment of Gerry Fitt's role in Irish politics is very close to that expressed in your own Editorial, on which I congratulate you. He was a courageous man who cared for people and gave leadership at a difficult time in the North - for which he deserves to be recognised. - Yours, etc,
MAURICE HAYES,
Downpatrick,
Co Down.