Madam, - A great deal of concern is being voiced about the wanton and savage violence that has become part of daily life in Ireland. It is often suggested that alcohol, drugs and a lack of education are behind this behaviour, but there are other causes too.
For many years many people in this society agreed with the murder of innocent people in pursuit of political goals. The sense of being entitled to respond violently to perceived provocation has become ingrained. In sport, the tribalism simmering beneath the surface is evident, as seen every week in the violence enacted by GAA and soccer players alike. Here too is a green light to those inclined to violence.
In addition, the chancers and brigands who have run roughshod over the country in economic terms are arguably as much responsible for the demise of community spirit as those whose disdain for their country is expressed through violence.
- Yours, etc,
EUGENE TANNAM, Monalea Park, Dublin 24.
Madam, - In many communities in Dublin small groups are seriously damaging the lives of all others.
Community groups cannot become vigilantes, but they can network together and march, and march again and again, and pin notes to the railings of Leinster House, as they did when Veronica Guerin was slain, and not cease until the Government is forced to honour its 10-year old "zero tolerance" promise.
- Yours, etc,
GERARD SHEEHY, Grove Lawn, Blackrock, Co Dublin.