WHILE I agree with the sentiment of the firearms collector (Letters, March 22) about Dunblane, I do not agree with what he says about public opinion.

Public opinion is formed by the likes of John Blunt. If he cannot win in a reason- able discussion, he attacks the mentality of his opponents.

Is John Blunt aware that there are well over one million unregistered firearms in this country? Is he also aware that serving and retired high-ranking police officers and military personnel are allowed weapons, for personal protection, (something denied to anyone else) and they are kept at home? Most of the police allowed to use firearms are also members of the very gun clubs he wants to close. Will his ban clean up Moss Side or Toxteth, will it stop the IRA or the INLA?

If he wants to ban guns, as he unsuccessfully tried to ban knives, how about banning archery or the use of javelins? - these are weapons.

And while he's at it how about banning football, cricket, baseball, basketball, motor-racing etc, and the time they get on TV. And close all the pubs as well.

John Blunt should put his bigoted talents to work getting the firearms laws applied to drink drivers and road ragers - commit an offence and you lose your licence for 'life.'

I can just imagine John Blunt drooling over his dictionary 'in the secrecy of his bedroom," looking for new words to vilify his opponents.

FIREARM OWNER (name and address received).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.