Those comments were made some 12 or 13 years ago. All of us may hold opinions which are objectionable, but they change over time. I certainly would not defend those comments today.

This is a very delicate situation which is ripe for exploitation. This plays into the hands of Muslim extremists. Many people at Friday prayers will want to express their anger, but we say do it within the law.

We can look back on a historical event from 60 years ago and condemn that unreservedly. And yet we are not facing up to what we're seeing before our own eyes today. We're turning a blind eye to that and that's unacceptable.

The placards that were on display were quite disgraceful and in our opinion seemed to constitute a clear incitement to violence, even murder.

Mr. O'Brien should be addressing his comments to Christians. I think Muslims are surprised that many Christians don't take their faith so seriously.

We are not at all satisfied with Mike Robinson's response and will be taking this up further by writing to the BBC Editorial Complaints Unit.