Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

What we are seeing happening throughout north Africa is the culmination of years of frustration caused by living under dictatorships with no concern for the well-being of their citizens. It is caused by frustration and the lack of decent living standards, adequate food, water and housing, opportunity, particularly for young people when it comes to education and employment, and, most significant, a lack of democracy - the ability to voice an opinion and decide on the type of society in which one wants to live. Advances in IT have contributed to that, with people living under dictatorships becoming aware of the alternatives such as countries where people over 18 have a vote, where men and women are treated equally and human rights are respected.

Libya is an amazing country with a rich cultural, archaeological and literary heritage but it is horrific to read of what is happening in that country. There is no end in sight to the gunfire, explosions, fatal shootings and bombardments and there is a real possibility of years of civil war and another Vietnam or Iraq.

It would be wonderful to believe that Britain, America, France and Italy were in Libya on behalf of the people and in the name of democracy and that they were not just paying lip service to democracy for their own self-interest, namely, oil. Western leaders and certain groups in the west were very happy to support Colonel Gadaffi, and also receive support from him, but I suppose necessity makes strange bedfellows.

There is also a concern about the military command structure of the intervention source and questions arise over the role of NATO. I am intrigued by the Arab League urging the motive of "protection of citizens" and wonder about their concern for their own citizens.

Ireland, as a neutral country, has a role to play in ensuring that this does not become a game of political football between the various players. I welcome the Tánaiste's comments earlier regarding UN Resolution 1973 as a way forward but the attack on Gadaffi cannot be allowed favour the emergence of radical fundamentalism.

How does a leader of a country get to the point of stating that his forces would show "no mercy, no pity" in advancing on his fellow Libyans? I have listened to a great deal of debate about the lack of freedoms in Libya, which has been known for many years, but nobody is saying very much about that.

The Libyan writer, Hisham Matar, a Man Booker Prize nominee, said that behind the nightmare of Gadaffi's violence is hope, an incredible dream, and that there comes a point when being silent is almost like death. It is obvious that the Libyan people are not prepared to be silent any longer.

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