Gerry Adams

* At last, an article by an American columnist who really understands the situation in Northern Ireland, the nature of the IRA, and the true character of its spokesman, Gerry Adams! I couldn’t agree more with every statement made by Edwin M. Yoder Jr. (Commentary, Feb. 6).

What is so disturbing beyond the fact that Adams “gulled” talk show hosts who do not understand the situation in Northern Ireland, is the hero’s welcome accorded Adams upon his arrival in the U.S. Now it is clear just where the IRA gets its seemingly endless funds with which to purchase its weapons of death and destruction.

IRA interference in the affairs of Northern Ireland so enrages the Protestant majority that it actually hampers the peace process.

JOAN MORRISON

Costa Mesa

* The anti-Irish column by Yoder attacks Adams of Sinn Fein (the political arm of the IRA), President Clinton for allowing him 48 hours to present his case in discussion of the Northern Ireland situation, and the “talk show airheads” who let him speak his mind. When it comes to Ireland, there is plenty of blame by all sides to pass around--not just to the IRA. There is little to be gained from suppressing different points of view.

The British press could have written the column. Gerry Adams may not have been ready to present breakthrough proposals for peace but he did stir up others, such as the British government, to improve their offers, which might lead to possible developments.

The problems in Northern Ireland involve primarily economic oppression cloaked in bigotry and religious persecution. Yoder clearly has no knowledge of this situation but he is the one that is paid to mouth off.

W. J. McLAUGHLIN

Claremont