Sir, - Whatever about the rights and wrongs of the State funeral being mounted for the 10 IRA members, there is one pernicious aspect of the event that would never be allowed in any other democracy. The Department of the Taoiseach has designated the weekend of the Fianna Fβil Party conference as the date for the funeral. Naturally, the whole of the Cabinet and every other member of Fianna Fβil that can be squeezed into the Pro-Cathedral will attend. That way they can use the event for the photo opportunity they hope will arise.
Cute hoorism doesn't even begin to explain this exhibition of gross hypocrisy. The only wonder is that the families of the dead have allowed the Fianna Fβil to use them in this way. - Yours, etc.,
Desmond Graham, Donnycarney, Dublin 5.