Trimble's reply

A chairde,

After David Trimble's Christmas visit to the Maze, I, like others, was disgusted by the purely sectarian murals glorifying the mass murder of innocent Catholics. So appalled at this I e-mailed the UUP and asked them to equate this with the ``abject apology'' that allowed them to talk to loyalists but not SF.

This is the reply I got nearly a month later:

``Contact, direct or otherwise with parties which have or have had close association with paramilitary groupings is a very sensitive matter. What seems to be the right approach today can easily turn out to be a very bad mistake when looked at later.

``David Trimble does what he feels is best for the greater number of people. He must not act in a fashion which he will later regret. Try to let him be the judge in this matter.''

I am I stupid even trying?
Stephen Gallagher

The Republican Party

A chairde,

If the proposed changes to the Government of Ireland Act meant that Britain's claim to Derry, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Armagh (without the consent of the majority of the people in those counties) is withdrawn, then Mr Ahern could possibly claim that giving up Articles 2 and 3 is part of ``balanced constitutional change''.

However, if these changes are superficial, as seems to be the case, then substantially changing Articles 2 and 3 could be more accurately described as legitimising the unjust partition of Ireland. So much for ``Fianna Fail, the Republican Party''

(Dr) Sean Marlow.
Dublin 11

Share the Tiger

A chairde,

It is a crying shame that in a time of the Celtic Tiger, the long term unemployed, the homeless and voluntary organisations have not gained in a substantial way. It is about time that the people from the disadvantaged areas who suffer stood together and demanded jobs, basic facilities and education for the youth before more teenagers from areas like ours end up in prisons.

Let us tell the politicians that we too have a right to share in the fruits of the country's economic prosperity. Do not let them off the hook.

Liam Frahill
Limerick

Race night thanks

A chairde,

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the many people who contributed to the very successful Cairde Shinn Féin race night in Shelbourne Park on Saturday 28 February. I would also like to thank our race sponsors, dog nominators and advertisers, Caoimhghín O Caoláin TD, who presented the CSF prize to the winning owner, Mr Tommy McDonnell of the Sportslocker, Maynooth who sponsered the trophy, and the manager and staff of Shelbourne Park for their professional approach to the event.

Particular thanks to the team who worked hard on the project, Tony, John, Sean, Paddy, Jim, Oliver. To the indivudals, the cumainn a special thanks. Your efforts were appreciated.

Comhgairdeas to the McCreesh Twins (Limerick) who won the free weekend for two and to Padraig Lane (Longford) who won the television. Below is the list of winners of the dog nominators. Their prizes will be sent to them in the coming days.

1. Monaghan C.C.
2. Emmet Quinn.
3. Siobhan/Kathleen McCreesh.
4. Phil McDonnell.
5. Pat McGinn.
6. TC Conlon.
7. Mike Mathers.
8. Martin Sharkey.
9. Cuddleton (Louth Village)
10. John Gleeson.
11. Leitrim Boy.
12. Pearse McShane.
13. Brian Brady.
14. Carpet Den.
15. John Tinnelly.
16. Tony Ahern Cumann
17. Sheriff Bros. Painters.
18. Joe Patterson.
19. Lydia Cumiskey.
20. Wolfe Tone/Kieran Doherty Cumann.

Cairde Sinn Fein looks forward to your continuing support. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to support Sinn Féin. The annual membership fee is only £20. Aris go raibh maith agaibh go leir.

Joe Reilly
Director CSF

Castlefin tragedy

A chairde,

On 28 November 1938, an accidental explosion caused the death of three IRA men at Stranamuck, near Castlefin, Co Donegal. The three men were Comdt. John James Kelly, Comdt. Charles McCafferty, and staff Capt. James Joseph Reynolds. Kelly and Reynolds were killed instantly. McCafferty lingered for a few days before dying in Lifford hospital.

As this year is the 60th anniversary of that tragic event, The Strabane Graves Association has decided to commemorate the ``Castlefin tragedy'' by publishing a small booklet. The booklet will profile the three men and will include photographs and documents of the period.

The Graves Association is currently fundraising for the erection of a monument to those republicans from this area who gave their lives for Irish freedom, and any monies generated by the sale of this booklet will be donated to the West Tyrone Memorial Fund.

Anyone who would like to obtain a copy of the booklet can contact me at 8 Landsdowne Park, Strabane. Tel: 01504 882836 or get in touch with any Graves Association member.

John Kelly
Strabane Graves Assoc.

TOM tribute to Paddy Mac

A chairde,

I am writing on behalf of the Troops Out Movement to express our great sadness on the death of Paddy McManus. We extend our deepest sympathy to Paddy's family, friends and comrades. He will be sorely missed.

He was very special to us in the Troops Out Movement. For years he was the main organiser for our annual August delegation to Belfast. He understood the need for us to meet people who would give us the concrete information to support our work over here. He was aware that the facts are the best form of propaganda.

Paddy was such a warm, kind person that no request was too much for him and his gentle humour was a great asset when dealing with some of our very intense politicos! His organisational skills were such that he made everything seem so easy and straightforward. We are very proud to have known him.

On a personal note - Paddy once gave me a present of a T-shirt sporting a picture of Gerry Adams (looking much younger than he does now!). It would have fitted Twiggy (or should I say Kate Moss for the younger generation) rather than my ample form. I thanked him warmly and wondered could he not recommend his optician to the rest of the population! However, the T-shirt was put to good use as it was a prize in a raffle to raise funds. So, thanks Paddy, it was great knowing you.

Mary Pearson
Troops Out Movement Steering Committee