Madam, - In the midst of all the gloom it was heart-warming to read about the correspondence between a death row inmate in the US and Seán Ó Riain, a former teacher from Dublin (Denis Staunton, December 6th). While, unfortunately, little can be done at present to have the barbaric practice of the death penalty abolished in the USA, it is very important that it is constantly brought to the fore.
The authorities would like to think that these prisoners are completely forgotten and that they can be treated as such. My pen friend from Florida's death row was executed four years ago but through him I am corresponding with another inmate there who has spent over 30 years on the row. It seems a very small task to engage in such correspondence but it is not a one-way exercise and certainly enriches those fortunate enough to enjoy justice and freedom.
In all the euphoria over Barack Obama's election it is sad to read that he is in favour of actually increasing the use of the death penalty.
Perhaps some of his supporters in this country could endeavour to ensure that he is aware of our abhorrence of this practice and our wish that the US joins practically all the civilised countries in the world in its abolition. - Yours, etc,