Sir, The British Government should not create obstacles to a renewed Provisional IRA cease-fire by insisting on unqualified guarantees of a permanent cessation of hostilities. If John Major resorts to playing power games and stalls the process at crucial times, there is nothing surer - apart from a British election taking place next year - that the trojan work by John Hume and the leadership of Sinn Fein will again be frustrated.
The British Government must reconcile itself to the fact that a firm commitment to peace in these islands can only be assured if the hand offering the chance to get real progress underway is open. Sadly, history indicates otherwise.
A lasting peace is far more important, but infinitely more fragile, than the chances of the Tories being returned to power. It will be telling to see where John Major's priorities lie. - Yours, etc.,
Albert Park, Sandycove, Co Dublin.