"There can be no doubt that we are already witnessing an increasingly bigoted anti-Republican climate being fostered in Northern Ireland. Tony Blair's comments will hardly help," said
A personal note from a balaclava wearer:
Mr Blair has claimed that the balaclava is a "visible statement of separateness" and "a barrier to social integration". He has claimed that the wearing of a balaclava interferes with a person's ability to teach small children. Other persons have even claimed that they themselves are scared by the sight of men in balaclavas, claiming to be unable to judge the wearer's emotional state. This is complete rubbish. If I'm angry with you, you'll be able to tell, from my body language, and from the automatic weaponry that I'll be carrying. Trust me, if you need to know what I'm thinking, you'll know.
The Army Council urges Tony Blair to immediately retract his completely unacceptable statements.
Signed: P. O'Neil
