The letters to Northern Ireland terrorists

Good job it wasn't Margaret Thatcher or all hell would be let loose. Funny how quiet the Labour Party are over this matter.

I think Blair and Co possibly thought they were doing a good thing but how crazy were these people. It was obvious at some time they would be found out.

I can, in an uneasy way, understand that at some stage for the greater good an 'amnesty' could be put forward. That would only work for ALL PARTIES not just the Republicans which as far as I can see is the case.

I think it makes a mockery of the judicial process but this type of thing has worked for some African countries and has been, as far as we can tell, been a 'cleansing' answer to the problems they have suffered. It has to be done on an even playing field though and that is where this monumental cock up has proved to be it's downfall.

There is of course the view of the bystander and then there is the view of those poor souls on both sides who have lost innocent loved ones. I would think if I had a loved one murdered I would find the process abhorrent and I would be looking for justice so I can see this sorry story has a long way to run before it has ended.

Let's hope to goodness that the old troubles do not start all over again but I am fearful this could be the case.

Peace to us all, especially the people of Northern Ireland who stand to lose so much if things take the wrong turn.

The letters seem very simply worded. Surely a good solicitor can get them quashed? To send a letter saying that whatever had been done was ok is astounding, especially as soldiers on the other side have been held to account for following orders (or did I misunderstand?)

NFK Let's hope that is the case, and they can find some way to prosecute again that awful man who was responsible for the Hyde Park bomb.

POGS I so agree. Please no return to the troubles.

It now appears that every initiative of the Blair government was deeply corrupt.

Has anybody heard a word from Miliband? I have only seen Peter Hain speak on the matter thus far.

In general hasn't Labour and it's supporters been unusually quiet over this 'latest' mess. Where is their mantra of late to ask for resignations and Public Enquiries?

However I am sure Miliband will back Cameron over this matter, I don't think he has much choice to be honest.

The only way that S Africa got out of its mess was via amnesties and putting the past behind them.

What a dilemma! I presume that they felt they were acting for the greater good - trying to stem more decades of unnecessary deaths and mayhem. But how I feel for those who have no justice for their loved ones. No easy answer here.

But an amnesty has to work both ways and be open.

the troubles in Ireland went way back lots of wrong on both sides, my brother died there age 19, time to forget and forgive

That's very sad seaspirit.

I wish they would give up on those marches. Why can't they let the past go?

In getting the peace treaty signed, they had to agree to all sorts of unpalatable things, however, this one was a mistake. I agree Jingl I do wish they would stop the orange marches, there is still a lot of hate on both sides.