Madam, - As a frequent reader of these pages Declan Kiberd's article on the future of the Act of Union (December 5th) is timely since it presents a conundrum and dilemma that very few in Ireland appear yet to have grasped. There has been considerable debate of late on this side of the water that Scotland may wish to go its own way. A nationalist-led Scottish Parliament most certainly is likely to through down the gauntlet to London in their quest for separation.
This also presents an unique opportunity for the Tories since backing a move for disestablishment is likely to permanently weaken the Labour Party and its reliance on Scottish members voting in a pan-UK parliament. In one swift move separation could leave the Conservatives in a stronger, permanent and electable position in a restructured and English-dominated UK parliament. Tory grandees such as Michael Portillo, have vividly pointed to the attractiveness of supporting a policy of "England doing its own thing" pouring scorn on New Labour's cries of economic suicide by pointing to the position of London and the south-east alone as the sixth largest economy in the EU.
But what implications for Ireland? If Scotland decided and was able to leave the Union, it is inconceivable that "England" would not wish to consider the opportunity of divesting itself of the responsibility for the Six Counties. But where would this leave Dublin and how would it respond to these challenges?
A "Northern Ireland solution" wrapped into a broader disestablishment legislative process of Scottish nationhood, a (probable) United Kingdom of England and Wales and the potential for a reunified Ireland may not be blue sky.
Politicians - north and south - have been wrong-footed in the past and would be wise to consider such out of the box thinking.
Stranger things have come to pass. - Yours, etc,
MARTYN PRING, Swanage, Dorset.