Madam, - Dermot Ahern is quoted in your edition of October 13th as saying: "I believe that it is only a matter of time that Sinn Féin will be in government in the future". It is, to say the least, an unfortunate gaffe on his behalf and betrays a lack of understanding of the dynamics of the politics of realpolitik for a Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Of course, it is grist to the mill for the Provisionals because it sends out a subliminal message to Fianna Fáil voters in particular that it is perfectly acceptable to vote for Sinn Féin.
Dr Jim McDaid, TD, in questioning the wisdom of Mr Ahern's statement is aware of the gravity of the situation facing Fianna Fáil TDs in border constituencies from the so-called sanitised version of Provoism. Already it is apparent that a significant section of Fianna Fáil's working class electorate has been contaminated by the ambivalence and naivety about Sinn Féin.
Mr Adams and company probably cannot believe their luck. Fianna Fáil, like Icarus of Greek mythology, seems determined to fly into the alluring light of political oblivion and leave the rest of us to confront, not the ballot box but much more likely the Armalite. - Yours, etc.,
SEAN & ROISIN WHELAN, Ormond Keep, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.
Madam, - There is one thing that Joe Harvey (October 15th) can be assured of when he casts his vote: that the Progressive Democrats will never help put Sinn Féin into government. - Yours, etc.,
Senator JOHN MINIHAN, Leinster House, Dublin 2.