Sir, – As a retired officer and former member of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (Raco) I was annoyed to hear Comdt Earnán Naughton and Raco publicly question the Defence Forces' ability to support the State in the fight against terrorism ("Doubts in Defence Forces over dealing with terror acts", November 18th).
The timing of the comments, so soon after the dreadful happenings in Paris, was ill-thought out and reflected abysmally on the leadership expected of serving officers. Those comments were made at a time when Irish citizens were looking for reassurance from the Government and by extension An Garda Síochána and Defence Forces.
Instead of providing that comfort, Raco quickly undermined not only the Minister for Defence but also the goodwill and respect the Defence Forces have built up over the years. When the question is asked, people expect the Defence Forces to lead . . . not whinge.
– Yours, etc,
PETER MURPHY
(Comdt retired)
Navan,
Co Meath.