DAVID DAVIN-POWER,
Sir, - I would like to endorse the sentiments expressed by Mrs Christina de Róiste in her moving letter about the treatment of her son (May 20th).
I first met Donal de Róiste soon after his involuntary discharge from the army. I have heard nothing in the passage of 30 years to shake my view that he was shabbily treated. Moreover I have no doubt that his transition to civilian life was wilfully made more difficult by the authorities.
In hindsight it is possible to guess at the motivation of those involved at the time, many of whom honestly believed that the institutions of the State were coming under threat. Actions and associations that seem innocent enough now may well have had a very different complexion then.
Nonetheless, many other events of those days are being re-evaluated through a different prism now. Surely it is not too much to ask that the same treatment be afforded to Mr de Róiste, whose life has been blighted by the attitude of the State he aspired to serve. - Yours, etc.,
DAVID DAVIN-POWER,
Dublin 9.