Sir, – After the Paris atrocity Belgium is under a maximum security alert, we know that Britain is under high alert as are many other European countries.
We on the other hand seem oblivious to any threat given the silence of official channels. I find this disturbing in light of our armed forces’ collective assessment that we do not have the skills or the physical resources to combat any assault on our community.
Are we naively assuming that as a small peripheral country in Europe we are irrelevant in the grand scheme of these terrorists. To do so in my view is the height of folly.
We have been quick, and rightly so, to condemn what has happened in France and have extended our unconditional support. If ever we needed evidence of vulnerability we should look no further than events in the little-known and obscure African country of Mali. – Yours, etc,
DEREK Mac HUGH
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – We are all horrified and saddened by recent events in Paris and feel powerless in the face of such evil.
Among the images beamed to us were two that deepened my sorrow: a Muslim woman with a face veil, and groups of “special forces” with only their eyes showing through masks.
If our facial expressions – our sorrow and our empathy – are to be hidden, is there any hope for humanity?
If we cannot greet each other with a smile, what joy will there ever be in life?
– Yours, etc,
ROSE MARY LOGUE
Dundrum,
Dublin 14.
Sir, – When reading Lara Marlowe's piece, ("The Paris attacks: who? why?" November 21st), in which she quotes one of the Paris terrorists telling his young sister that blowing one's self up (as he did) was "a beautiful way to die", I was reminded of the 1916 Rising and its cult of blood-sacrifice.
Lest anyone accuse me of making an inappropriate connection, allow me to point out that our national commemoration of the centenary of the Rising began with a tribute to O’Donovan Rossa, who masterminded the first Irish republican bombing campaign in British cities. Shame on us!
– Yours, etc,
FELIX M LARKIN
Cabinteely,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – While I don’t wish to undermine the great turmoil suffered in Paris and mainland Europe in the past week, the acts of certain performers in these locations must be acknowledged .
With the greatest travesty occurring in the Bataclan music venue during the Paris attacks, the decision for musicians to continue performing at live venues across Europe is understandably difficult.
For that reason, the actions of bands such as Stiff Little Fingers and Simple Minds, who made the call on their shows in Paris going ahead this week, should be duly noted and praised. Their statements, while empathising with the recent tragedies in relation to their own careers, was courageous and admirable. In the words of AC/DC, “For those about to rock, we salute you.”
– Le meas,
BRIAN BATEMAN
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.