Madam, - We were all willing to give Sinn Féin the "benefit of the doubt" to prove itself as a democratic party. We even said nothing about punishment beatings so as not to unsettle the peace process. However, the recent revelations about Sinn Féin activists spying on TDs is upsetting and worrying.
Many people voted for Sinn Féin for the first time at this year's local and European elections for the sake of a change, but it now seems that not only are they are no better than the other political parties but there is a sinister and evil side to the party - that it is hell-bent on domination no matter what the cost.
If Sinn Féin wants to be taken seriously as a democratic party it has to come to the negotiation table with clean hands and cease all paramilitary activities now. - Yours, etc.,
CONOR M. DELANEY, Sandymount, Dublin 4.