Madam, - Apart from his intellect, I think Conor Cruise O'Brien's greatest contribution to our lives and times was his equally massive moral and physical courage.
In the UN, he stood up to the colonialists on the question of Katanga. Just as fearlessly, he stood up in Ireland against the nihilistic nationalists whose unmandated violence caused such suffering and destruction.
He was our Bertrand Russell. - Yours, etc,
BRENDAN LYNCH,
Mountjoy Street,
Dublin 7.
Madam, - Conor Cruise O'Brien's many global achievements must surely rank him as one of the 20th century's greatest men of action.
He somehow managed to combine that role with an academic brilliance that brought international recognition both to himself and to the country he loved.
He had a phenomenal work rate, yet never sought praise or universal approval, though that was readily bestowed on him by his peers, who recognised his unique talents and ability. There are many who begrudge him his many successes to this day, but their understanding of the bigger picture was always deeply flawed.
Dr Cruise O'Brien, on the other hand, was only too well aware of the dangers posed by militant nationalism and where it would eventually lead. More than 30 years of inter-communal strife and more than 3,000 untimely deaths proved him right. - Yours, etc,
NIALL GINTY,
Chairman,
Conor Cruise O'Brien Society,
Killester,
Dublin 5.