Sir, - I have noted the comments of Moore McDowell in your edition of December 18th. He is clearly not comfortable with the idea of the general secretary of PDFORRA commenting on issues which will significantly affect the careers, security and work practices of PDFORRA's 9,000 members in the very near future.
PDFORRA did not say that "this country should become more involved in the collective security of Europe", but that a debate on EU security is gaining momentum elsewhere and all of us must be prepared to recognise our responsibilities and openly engage in this discussion. There are security obligations for this country under the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy which must be recognised.
The recent alliance arrangements announced by the French and UK Governments are clear evidence of the necessary progress being made in other areas.
PDFORRA are fully committed participants to the Partnership 2000 approach to managing change, and have also been invited to participate in the formulation of the White Paper on Defence. We are especially concerned that this White Paper will become another vehicle to downgrade and decimate the Defence Forces and not address the crucial and pressing issue of our future security responsibilities in Europe.
PDFORRA's membership is central to the EU security debate and this organisation will continue to observe developments and comment publicly when necessary and appropriate. This is a membership and not a political issue for PDFORRA.
Silence has reaped few rewards for the Defence Forces in the past - and Mr McDowell should also learn to appreciate the true meaning of the democracy we both benefit from. - Yours, etc., John E. Lucey,
General Secretary, PDFORRA, Capel Street, Dublin 1.