Sir, - The death of Glen Branagh, aged 17, is a heartbreaking tragedy for his family and friends, and for our entire community. Those responsible are the evil thugs who supplied him with the pipe bomb that exploded prematurely in his hands.
Another generation of young people are having their minds poisoned and twisted by paramilitary organisations. All the blame for the sad loss of this young man's life lies with the UDA and its fellow-travellers, who are currently engaged in savage and protracted violence against Catholics.
The continuous street disturbances in North Belfast and the demonic scenes outside Holy Cross Girls' Primary School expose the vicious anti-Catholic hatred that festers within certain sections of the unionist/loyalist community.
Unionist politicians must now face down the wickedness and darkness in their own midst.
For many years they have been telling us that loyalist violence was a reaction to republican terrorism. The events of the past six months in North Belfast have exploded this myth. Loyalist violence has always been motivated and fuelled by sheer hatred of the Catholic/nationalist community.
It would be very helpful if those in government and positions of responsibility ceased to regard the inhabitants of the North of Ireland as "two communities". In reality, what we have now is one community of Catholics and Protestants who together are longing for a peaceful and stable society.
Within that one community there exists a 30 per cent minority of dissidents and hate-mongers, both paramilitaries and politicians, who seek to drag us back into the pit of death and destruction. They must not be allowed to succeed.
What is going on at present, on the streets of North Belfast, is a law and order problem. It must be confronted as such.
Enough is enough. The terrorisation of those little girls and their parents must be brought to an end immediately. Every possible influence must be brought to bear on ending that most distressing situation as soon as possible. The evildoers who are attacking peoples' homes and inciting riots must be brought to heel, once and for all. - Yours, etc.,
Fr Patrick McCafferty, Sacred Heart, Belfast 14.