Sir, - I have no doubt that the sources your journalists use in preparing their articles are accurate. Deaglan de Breadun states (The Irish Times, November 7th): "Republican sources say there is no point in targeting or even gathering intelligence because your information will be out of date if the ceasefire subsequently comes to an end" (my emphasis). There has been much criticism from nationalist sources of the reluctance of other political parties to accept the bona fides of the alleged commitment of Sinn Fein to democratic and peaceful means. Your article implies quite clearly that if the required concessions are not to the liking of Sinn Fein and the IRA, a return to violence would be envisaged.
There have been those who have said that the ceasefire now leaves open to Sinn Fein access to, for example, the most senior positions in local government. Sinn Fein has made much of its demands for confidence-building measures. Much is required of this party and its paramilitary colleagues to give some confidence that they can be taken seriously when they are said to have genuinely committed themselves to the principles of democracy and nonviolence.
In an effort to reach peaceful resolution of our problems, no stone must be left unturned, but for those involved in the political process, we still remain to be convinced of the sincerity of those who represent the men of violence. - Yours, etc., Cllr Tom Campbell, (Alliance Party),
City Hall,
Belfast.