Letter: Preconditions on IRA talks

Sir: The Reverend Ian Paisley's accusations of lies against both the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland were made not only in the House of Commons but also outside that place of privilege. Why, then, have no writs been issued by the two politicians? Are they completely unconcerned about their integrity and honour or is it rather that their greater fear is what might happen in a court case?

Even more seriously for the democratic process, is it not a fact that an elected member of Parliament was on Monday ejected from Parliament simply for stating the truth?

Yours sincerely,

RICHARD STEWART

Ipswich, Suffolk

30 November