Shatter was right to pardon soldiers

Donal Kennedy’s comments (Jun 25) about Defence Forces deserters, oaths, dishonour and shame are interesting.

Cognisant that accused persons have a right to due process according to Irish law, perhaps Mr Kennedy could also advise as to which military court determined their guilt and awarded punishment?

The treatment of former Defence Forces personnel accused of desertion by the de Valera government post-war clearly indicates a contradiction of republican ideals as enunciated by the founders of this State, and when it suited a political agenda some of the children of the nation were deemed less equal than others.

Thankfully, Minister for Defence Alan Shatter has the necessary political and legal acumen to deal judiciously and compassionately with the pardons issue in the interests of the surviving veterans and their families, and to do so without changing the history of the Emergency, or tearing up the manual of Irish military law.

For the record, the morale and military discipline of the Irish Defence Forces is steadfast and will always remain steadfast.

Peter Mulvany

Coordinator Irish Soldier Pardons Campaign (WW2)