I am writing to criticize the editorial opinion in the March 21 Collegian. As an Irish citizen, Catholic, born and raised in Northern Ireland I believe the article shows a serious lack of understanding and research of the situations in Northern Ireland.

The Irish Republican Army, or Protestant Paramilitary groups for that matter, have given no guarantees as to the "permanence" of the cease-fire, which was created not from their efforts, as the editorial states, but from the tireless efforts of John Hume, of the SDLP party in Northern Ireland and the British and Irish governments.

The article states that the "IRA's goals are commendable." However, I fail to see how goals blinded by history, hatred, selfishness and a complete disregard for both life and a political majority can be called "commendable."

The editor's use of the term "The Irish side" in relation to the "conflict" misleads the reader to believe that the IRA represents Catholics on the island of Ireland. Let it be noted that Sinn Fein, the IRA's political wing, holds about 6 percent of the vote in Northern Ireland. The IRA's solution to their concerns is to maim, murder, bomb and divide the respective communities of Northern Ireland. The IRA have led a murderous campaign against the British for 20 years without regard for innocent people, both young and old. Therefore, the British have every right to criticize Mr. Adams' fund-raising efforts in the United States because until the IRA (and Protestant Paramilitary groups) give up their stockpiles of weapons and explosives they cannot be totally trusted or given a free hand. Mr. Adams deserves the right to speak his views and consult with U.S. politicians because of his hand in bringing about peace but until the IRA contributes more to the peace process they should be listened to but carefully watched.

Also, to state that the United States has never "listened to the Irish side" is again misleading and incorrect. This "Irish side" the editorial refers to, is again the IRA, not the vast majority of Irish people on the island of Ireland. The United States and other civilized nations have never listened to violent aggressors.

To-state that the "British have been in Northern Ireland too long" and that "it is time to give this piece of land back to the Irish" again shows a gross misunderstanding, on the editors' part, of the problems involved in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, about 70 percent of the population is Protestant and identify both religiously and politically with Britain. This majority has the absolute right to belong to the United Kingdom and this right is accepted by both the Irish and British governments. In many respects the IRA admit this by accepting the cease-fire, if not directly. Of course, what it directly illustrates is that they admit their concerns can be more effectively addressed through politics and not the gun. To make uneducated, sweeping statements like the above does not aid American understanding of the extent of problems faced in my country.

I hope in the future more informed opinions of my country can be published.