Madam, - How tragic it is that Mrs Margaret Hassan seems to have lost her life in a very brutal way because she loved helping others. I can only hope that, at a time when the DUP and Sinn Féin are trying to find a way through their differences, they might think of this marvellous lady and get their act together. - Yours, etc.,
JOE HARVEY, Glenageary Woods, Co Dublin.
Madam, - I want to express my extreme sadness and sympathy to the family of Margaret Hassan for the deplorable, barbaric act which has taken her life. I had just been reading a report in which Bertie Ahern was quoted as saying that her kidnappers "stand condemned by everyone throughout the entire international community", and I felt compelled to support that statement. I and have been following this story, though I could never bring myself to watch the videos of Margaret begging for her life.
I have prayed that she would be safe, and could return to her family, but I trust that God is in charge, and one day all will be made right. Margaret was doing the kind of work we should all be doing, and that is unselfishly to help our fellow human beings in the best way we can.
She will long be remembered by someone in Odessa, Texas, who was deeply touched by her life, and her death. - Yours, etc.,
VICKI KIKER, Odessa, Texas, USA.
Madam, - When I heard the news on Tuesday morning about the brutal killing of a wounded Iraqi by a US marine, I wanted to cry. But I had to go to work and get on with my life.
When I heard that evening of Margaret Hassan's murder, I got into bed and cried. That's all I am capable of saying. - Yours, etc.,
JENNIFER SWEENEY, Harbour View, Howth, Co Dublin.