Voices from amid the Troubles

Today, on page 10, the 'Independent' publishes a selection from more than a thousand letters of support that John Hume, the SDLP leader, has received from people throughout Ireland and Britain since his talks with Gerry Adams, the Sinn Fein leader, started the current momentum for peace in Northern Ireland

. . . We as a family have suffered at the hands of evil men. My son lost both legs and I was injured in another incident . . . I could have every reason to hate but what good would that do? God bless and protect you . . .

. . . After the recent massacres we were in total despair. Never in all the 24 years of the troubles was I so afraid, we were plain terrified. In the darkest hours of recent weeks we had one tenacious hope and voice - you . . .

. . . I really believe this is the best chance of peace in the last 20 years. Please keep on trying . . .

. . . I am writing to let you know that a lot of the Protestant people are very much behind you in your search for peace . . . .

. . . The man who ploughs the lonely furrow in the darkness must not falter, while the prima donna politicians strut . . .