21 NOVEMBER 1987, Page 5

CONSISTENT KEN

Mr Ken Livingstone's declaration of sup- port for the IRA's objectives in the wake of the Enniskillen bombings has been condemned by members of his own party as 'inopportune' and 'insensitive'. The implication is that at other times such declarations would be all right. It is cer- tainly true that it is particularly revolting not to react instinctively against such an outrage as the Poppy Day massacre, but Mr Livingstone is really only being consis- tent, which his colleagues are not. He supports the IRA's aims and strategy, so it is his duty to accept its latest achievement with a good grace.