Sir, – Gerry Adams (July 22nd) states that "The citizens of Gaza may hear of the Irish parliament extending solidarity to them."
The trouble is that the "citizens of Gaza" include Hamas, who may feel that the Dáil gesture denotes unquestioning support for their militant behaviour. It may not be seen as "something that represents the feeling of a huge number of Irish people – that is peace in the Middle East?"
Mr Adams, of all people, should know that the first step to achieving peace anywhere is to cease military activity that is clearly failing in its objective and to seek unconditional dialogue.
If Ireland wants to position itself as a peacemaker, it must first be careful not to be seen as taking sides. This should not preclude us from deploring the lethal consequences on both sides of armed conflict. – Yours, etc,
PADDY CREAN,
Bromley Court,
Wicklow