Madam, - Like Bruce Arnold, (October 20th), I am proud to be a patron of the Reform Movement, which aims for a pluralist Ireland. Its recent conference opened up many worthwhile debates. I am also a friend and admirer of John A. Murphy, to some of whose views Mr Arnold took exception.
While, like Mr Arnold, I disagree with several recent remarks by Prof Murphy about the experience of Protestants in independent Ireland, I do so knowing that - over the past few decades - John A. has been a man of the utmost courage and integrity in Irish public life. He stood up to the malignancy of Provisional IRA intimidation and propaganda even at the time of the hunger-strikes and, as a senator, never failed to challenge violent nationalism. He has also been one of those who - at a time when it was neither profitable nor popular - argued for the separation of Church and State. - Yours etc.,
RUTH DUDLEY EDWARDS,
London W5.