Sir, – Patrick Talbot (May 10th) correctly points to the issue of desertion and its context, however, in his contribution he avoids the fact that those accused of desertion have an inalienable right to adduce evidence in their defence pursuant to military law. Mr Talbot appears to be echoing the mantra that constitutional imperatives can be abrogated when it suits a political agenda.
The commendable action of the Minister for Defence supported by his staff and members from all sides in Dáil and Seanad Éireann in bringing the Amnesty Bill to a conclusion is an event of historical significance and in the coming weeks a private commemorative event for our families will conclude our effort. In time one hopes Mr Talbot can find space for those veterans and former defence forces personnel who lie in eternal silence on the various battlefields of the second World War, who paid one hell of a price for the freedoms we have in Europe today.
In the meantime, our old soldiers can now fade away with dignity and our families live out their lives with some semblance of honour restored. – Yours, etc,
PETER MULVANY,
Co-ordinator,
Irish Soldiers Pardons
Campaign (WW2),
Conquer Hill Road,
Clontarf, Dublin 3.