Bank raid blame-game ignores a basic right

THE rush to judgement by Bertie Ahern, members of the Government, most of the politicians and most of the media (including yourselves) about the Northern Bank robbery is most disturbing.

Has no one heard of Article 38.1 of the constitution, which reads: "No person shall be tried on any criminal charge save in due course of law?"

Or has the presumption of innocence been abolished?

We all know special courts have been set up in this state and in the North over the past 40 years of so.

We have all heard of the Special Criminal Court and the Diplock courts in Northern Ireland , but I don't think anyone has heard of "The Opinion of Hugh Orde Court."

If the IRA is guilty and some of its members are charged, one would imagine that such a public statement by Mr Orde would make it very difficult to prosecute the case successfully.

It seems he does not expect ever to have to charge any IRA member with the crime.

It was extraordinary also how the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, accepted without question the unsubstantiated opinion of the chief constable of a discredited police force.

After all his pronouncements over the past few weeks, Bertie Ahern's talk of civil rights during his recent visit to China sounded rather hollow.

Michael Corish

Kilmoylan

Doon

Co Limerick.