Sir - The arrogance of the IRA knows no bounds. Ach tiocfaidh ar la: one day (hopefully) we will be free and the IRA and other terrorist groups will be well and truly "out of the equation". But for the moment let there be no misunderstanding: when we place our mark on the ballot paper on May 22nd, we, the people of the "whole island of Ireland" will be exercising our right of national self-determination and no one - no group, no government, no individual, no secret society - can take that from us.
But let that vote be decisive - a resounding vote saying "Yes". For, despite the flaws and inadequacies in the agreement of Good Friday, we are at last being given something positive to work for and a chance to play a part in the future of this island. The politicians have recognised that this is only the beginning - that this agreement by itself will not bring peace and stability. Real and lasting peace will come only through the commitment and active participation of people North and South, and up to now we have never really had that chance.
We have before us now an opportunity to build the foundations of lasting peace on this island, to free ourselves and our children from the shackles of the past, to put behind us the bitter legacies of history, to move beyond hate, fear and suspicion towards understanding, maturity, mutual respect, equality and true freedom. The future of this island, the hopes, the pains, the sacrifices, and even the lives of so many, depend on how we, the people, North and South, face up the challenge - in the coming referenda and in the long years ahead. - Yours, etc., Julitta Clancy, Anne Nolan, Paschal Kearney, Pauline Ryan, Meath Peace Group,
Batterstown, Co Meath.