Madam, - John Kenny states (October 30th) that my article of October 26th criticising Michael McDowell's proposals for limiting due process rights "makes the astonishing claim that 'locking up' criminals 'does nothing for the cause of justice'."
In fact, my piece says exactly the opposite, emphasising that justice is served only when the true perpetrator is identified, which is why due process rights are essential to the administration of justice.
To cite fully the passage misquoted by Mr Kenny: "Victims of crime, and indeed society as a whole, are only served when the right person - not just any person - is held accountable for an offence. Anything less results not only in an innocent person being incarcerated, but a guilty person being left at large to continue offending. While the needs of politicians may be better served by locking up just anyone, and therefore portraying an image that the forces of law and order have 'closed the books' on as many crimes as possible, this does nothing for the cause of justice, the needs of victims or the safety of the community."
In his letter, Mr Kenny expresses doubt that criminals across Ireland read The Irish Times. Given his misrepresentation of my comments, it seems perhaps they are not the only ones. - Yours, etc,
RICK LINES, Executive Director, Irish Penal Reform Trust, Parnell Square West, Dublin 1.