Sir, – I read with interest Newton Emerson’s article on the use of water cannon in both the North and the South over the past 50 years or so (“Here’s what you might not know about ‘woke’ water cannon and their use in riots”, Opinion & Analysis, November 30th). He claims that water cannon only arrived properly in the North during the Drumcree stand-off. However, those involved in the civil rights marches in Derry during the 1970s, like myself, can testify to its use on a number of occasions. The water had purple dye added which stained both clothes and skin. I remember myself and a friend having to walk a circuitous route home from the city centre avoiding RUC checkpoints and military foot patrols having been soaked during a demonstration on William Street on the edge of the Bogside. I don’t believe they had the goodwill to warm the water first either! – Yours, etc,
DONAL CARLIN,
Ballyconnell,
Co Cavan.