NEIGHBOURS and colleagues of the terrorist-link suspects arrested in the North-East are astounded such apparently normal, ordinary men could be accused of such offences. "He's a pleasant, affable man, not at all extremist," was one comment. "He is hard-working, a most unassuming gentleman," was another.

Everything from the clothes they wear, to the houses they live in, to the schools their children go to just don't seem to fit. Of course, we still don't know if these particular men are innocent or guilty. But we shouldn't expect terrorists and their supporters to turn up conveniently dressed in balaclavas with Kalashnikovs slung over their shoulders. The insidious nature of terrorism, cloaked as it is in the ordinariness of everyday life, makes it impossible to pick an offender out in a crowd. Unfortunately, I learned, growing up in Northern Ireland, that everyone from the postman, to the owner of the corner shop, to your neighbour's son, could be a gunman, an informer or a lookout. Then again, they may not. That was the problem. The constant wariness, suspicion and mistrust eating its way through communities became almost as destructive as the terrorism itself.

IF the Blairs, who complained about newspapers publishing details of their eldest son Euan's university plans, really want privacy for their son they would be wise to caution him against so openly enjoying the public perks of being the Prime Minister's son, such as attending film premieres and being photographed with the stars. Euan can't be selective about when he appears in the tabloids. If he wants to rub shoulders with celebrities, the paparazzi will consider him fair game.

POPE John Paul says Roman Catholic lawyers should refuse to handle divorce cases. This seems particularly harsh, even allowing for the Catholic Church's opposition to divorce. When a family falls apart, for whatever reason, there are innocent victims. Someone has to look out for the rights and care of children and property has to be distributed fairly. Divorce lawyers should probably feel guilty about what they charge, but not about the job they do.

IT is absolutely right that Gordon Brown, still grieving the death of his baby daughter Jennifer, should delay the Budget for a month in order to give him more time to adjust to such a devastating loss. He has the sympathy of every right-thinking person. Yet, not long ago, I heard callers to a radio phone-in programme complain about how cold and inflexible the Inland Revenue is with ordinary taxpayers whose personal life is in turmoil. One woman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy during the period her tax return was due, had to pay a hefty fine for completing it a month late. Others, who were bereaved, were not given any extra time to submit their returns. Perhaps we will all benefit from a more compassionate Treasury.

THERE is much public whingeing about the Queen's forthcoming Golden Jubilee. There is a widespread lack of interest, we are told. No one wants street parties any more, the younger generation isn't interested in the monarchy. But when it comes down to it, I wonder how many of us won't be taking up the four-day public holiday surrounding the event?

Published: 01/02/02