Sir, When I heard the bomb detonate at Canary Wharf about three miles away as the crow flies I was unsurprised.
For at least six, months, listening to the intransigent utterings of the Prime Minister, Sir Patrick Mayhew, Michael Ancram and others involved in the misnamed peace process", has been to witness a certain, self fulfilling prophecy.
For 17 months there has been virtual peace in Northern Ireland. Two generations who had never experienced safety and security had their first tranquil Christmases. Incredibly, this was not good enough for the British Government. Goal posts were moved, demand followed demand.
Anyone with a minimal grasp of conflict resolution knows that the all is to grab the moment, start from the NOW and build, bit by tentative bit, trust, hope, the art of compromise and dialogue must always be accessible. Only thus, slowly, carefully, are entrenched positions eroded and successful outcomes for all achieved.
Sadly, it seems that the British concern has been to save face and parliamentary seats rather than lives. A minimal majority demands, it seems, even the most hard line unionist support. Curiously, during this 17 months, the Government has endorsed talks with others formerly considered terrorists, and even war crime suspects, in the former Yugoslavia and in Palestine peace at any price is worth the risk, we were told.
In Northern Ireland, peace is clearly too precious and precarious to be left to politicians, to arrogance and patronisation. Alternatives must be sought with immediacy diplomats perhaps, well used to understanding by "walking in another man's shoes". Professors of peace studies, psychologists, churchmen. Something must be done, before this tide in the affairs of the men, women and children of Northern Ireland is not taken at the flood, but again drowns us all in a torrent of hopeless violence. Yours, etc., Homerton High Street, London €9 6AJ.