The Catalan question

Sir, – Notwithstanding the response of the Spanish police to the unlawful referendum in Catalonia, which was clearly heavy-handed and highly inappropriate, the concept of partition as a political solution is one that we should be wary of, particularly in view of our own unpleasant experience here in Ireland. – Yours, etc,

MICK O’BRIEN,

Kilkenny.

Sir, – The European Union will be a sorry place if we send in the riot police every time its people have concerns and wish to voice their opinions. If strong-arm tactics, which were tacitly condoned by every silent EU politician, are the new way forward for the EU, then count me out. – Yours, etc,

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TONY O’ LOUGHLIN,

Limerick.

Sir, – One wonders would there be the same enthusiasm for independence among the Catalans and Basques if they occupied the poorer regions of the Iberian peninsula. – Yours, etc,

EAMON KEARNEY,

Cork.