Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Some of the sentiments expressed this morning on the issue of Northern Ireland attracted my attention. They include, for example, that there are times when we should bite our lips, that we should not engage in the blame game and that we should occasionally restrain our language. All these statements apply in the current circumstances in Northern Ireland.

These sentiments also apply during the heat of a strike, which is not the time to engage in megaphone diplomacy or megaphone negotiations. This is the wrong time to apportion blame, take sides or sharpen rhetoric, particularly with regard to the two strikes mentioned. My firm position is that one must not give publicity to one side or the other at certain times. I have been reluctant, therefore, over the years to draw publicity to those seeking attention. Yesterday, however, in an item intended as a joke, which was reported in today's issue of the Irish Independent, a radio station referred to the death of Pope John Paul II.