Sir, - On June 7th the Irish voter will be asked to decide three issues by referendum. One is the abolition of the death penalty. This offers the people of Ireland the opportunity to revoke this archaic and revolting practice. It is reminiscent of Old Testament theology that espoused that most famous of analogies "an eye for an eye". The practice is reflective not of moral and human justice, but rather of revenge.
Timothy MacVeigh prepares himself for such revenge following his most heinous action in Oklahoma. However, although the execution seems set to go ahead, not one of the victims can be brought back. Let us in Ireland look not to the United States for our moral justice, but rather to the genuine goodness that, again and again, has been shown when we have faced our own tragedies.
Would that we could see in the late Gordon Wilson a reflection of the real justice that awaits each one of us when we accept our own limitations - and abolish the death penalty from our land for ever. - Yours, etc.,
Rev Derek C. Sargent, Waterford.