MO Mowlam, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has without a doubt the worst job in British politics. Therefore, I hesitate to criticise her. However, I do think that it is going too far to offer to Sinn Fein the release of many IRA terrorists so long as the cease-fire holds.

Many of these terrorists have committed heinous crimes and have been duly sentenced by the courts.

Far be it from me to defend the criminals in jail in England, Scotland and Wales, but is it fair that they should have to serve their full sentence while the terrorists in Ulster will be released before they have served their time? I think not.

Also, if the talks break down, what is to stop those terrorists resuming their activities?

And can one really hope that the talks will lead to a peaceful settlement when Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, said: "Our only agenda is a united Ireland with the British out" and Unionist leader David Trimble, responded: "A United Ireland is not acceptable to the majority community in Northern Ireland in ten years time or ever?"

D PEARSON (Mr), Rawstorne Street, Blackburn.

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