ANoThER era has passed with the fading away of mavericks such as Michael Stone and many others who could have lived better lives (July 30). It is hard to label Stone but he was not the only one who may be viewed as insane, mad, or psychotic. The last 40 years has seen an incredible amount of abnormal individuals make their mark on Northern Ireland.
Stone may be looked upon now by some as a lunatic but was well regarded by paramilitaries and others for his services and individual initiatives in the black and bad days of old, in the heat of the Troubles.
In fact, he was almost indistinguishable from any other hardliner.
Criticisms from mainstream unionism was not as loud as it might have been and absent altogether at other times. So there is no point in a media witch hunt against Stone which is unbalanced in view of other extremist notables.
It could well be the case that Stone could be in Stormont as a representative and it is surprising he didn't, given that some think he loves the limelight? he did however, make a kind of bid for Stormont in 2006 when he stormed the door in a half-baked attempt to disrupt proceedings.
Why should Michael Stone be singled out as an extraordinary individual when there are those who are now occupying Stormont have equally controversial backgrounds?
There is surely no doubt that there are more than a few in Stormont that wanted fame and glory and still want the limelight, albeit in a more civilised way. Stone and others who have committed evil deeds should reap the wrath of civilised society but Northern Ireland is hardly that.
Maurice FitzgeralD
Shanbally, Co Cork
