Sir, — There is much in Paul Vallely’s article (Comment, 10 September) that underlines his lack of understanding and insensitivity about Sinn Fein and the Northern Ireland security situation. For example, at one point he refers to the sectarian RUC. What exactly does he mean by this?

Is he aware of the many widows, parents, and children of officers from every religious denomination and none, and every lawful political party, who offered themselves for the highest ideals of policing in the RUC, but lost their lives in the fight against terrorism?

Name & Address Supplied
(Roman Catholic, ex-RUC)