Sir, – During the controversy over the arrest of Gerry Adams, one thing I noticed in particular was the way in which some media outlets covered the events. Notwithstanding the unease in general about the individual involved, I think that the braying for the prosecution of Mr Adams ignores the context of the history of Northern Ireland.
According to some media outlets, in any “normal” European country it would be unacceptable to tolerate any prominent figure with a past such as that of Mr Adams retaining a prominent role in that country’s political life. However, as the saying goes, the past is often a different country, and that country was anything but “normal”. Like many in my generation, my knowledge of that dark past comes from history books – and sometimes from the viewpoint of parents and family who lived through it.
The reality is that virtually no part of western Europe, save perhaps Spain’s Basque region, has quite the modern history of Northern Ireland, and even today, as was demonstrated by the “flag protests” not too long ago, the tensions across the Border still smoulder. However, that is still a lot better than the inferno of violence that took place for nearly 30 years. And whether some like it or not, Mr Adams played a key role – along with others – in dousing that searing conflict.
Undoubtedly, many were hurt by conflict, and have a perfectly reasonable expectation of trying to see justice done for their loved ones. But in the greater scheme of things, it may be best to let the flames die out, rather than inadvertently stir the regressive forces that threaten the peace process. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS M CREAMER,
Aughnasheelin,
Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.
Sir, – Perhaps it is time for Gerry Adams to consider taking a leaf out of Pope Benedict’s book, who, perhaps appreciating his limitations in dealing with the past scandals in the Catholic Church, resigned because he believed there would be someone else more able to lead the church into the future. Sinn Féin may benefit too from having faith in others within their party who are free from the burdens of the past. – Yours, etc,
FRANK BROWNE,
Ballyroan Park,
Templeogue,
Dublin 16.