Playing with fire

I BELIEVE we have reached one of those defining moments in the governance of our country which is stark in its simplicity.

Members of a quasi-military/political organisation, in the course of their fundraising activities (namely, bank-robbing), murdered a member of the civil police force.

The normal punishment for such a crime may be suspended by the Government in return for another 'promise' that an illegal private army will deign to stop maiming people while retaining a lethal armoury the purpose and effect of which is to embolden its political wing in negotiating its demands.

Think well, Taoiseach elected prime ministers not far from this island learned in the past that appeasement is not the way to defend democracy.

Ted Neville,

Turnberry,

Carrigaline Road,

Douglas,

Co Cork.