A chara, - If Sinn Féin wishes to convince anybody that it and the IRA are not "two sides of the same coin" there is a very simple litmus test which it should take.
When Mr Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD stresses his party's commitment to democracy he should be challenged to attest or declare on oath that he and his party recognise Dáil Éireann as the Government of the Republic of Ireland and that the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are the only legitimate forces of law and order in this State and that they recognise no other such organisation or association.
To make this more palatable to Sinn Féin it should be a condition of entry to Dáil Éireann and to all local government bodies that all elected public representatives make such a declaration before being allowed to take their seats. I am convinced that, given the opportunity, each and every elected representative, with the exception of Sinn Féin, would have no difficulty making such a declaration.
I am also sure that, given his assurances about his lack of knowledge of the activities of his associates recently convicted of IRA membership, Mr Aenghus Ó Snodaigh TD would jump at the chance to distance himself from those nasty people.
Which of the party leaders has the courage to propose that all TDs, senators and holders of public office, including public/civil servants and other state employees are required to take an oath of allegiance to the State and the Institutions of State before they take office? What about enshrining such a requirement in the Constitution? It might make for a very interesting debate, if nothing else. - Is mise,
SEAN O'GRADY, Radharc Aoibhinn, Parc Sutton, Baile Átha Cliath 13.
Madam, - It is interesting to see in the IRA's Easter statement (The Irish Times, March 23rd) that it encourages its volunteers to "remain united" at a time when many other political figures are trying to encourage them to disband.
It is also interesting to see the IRA publishing an Easter "newsletter" when it has lost the respect and interest of the vast majority of the people on this island.
Perhaps the IRA would consider establishing a website where it could publish details of recent activities - murders, shootings, robberies, and so on. It could also establish a "feedback" section, inviting responses from the public.This would perhaps allow IRA members to connect with the true reality of Irish society and politics and help them come to terms with the need to put down their guns and go out in the fresh air.
To the rest of the people on the island, who go about their business in a more peaceful manner, I would like to take this opportunity to extend Easter greetings and the hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. - Is mise,
EAMONN O'MAHONY, Dublin 8.