Sinn Féin and Drumcree stand-off

Sir, – Following the reports and articles about the stand-off on Garvaghy Road, two of your commentators struck me as particularly accurate.

Justine McCarthy concluded that Ireland should have been united years ago; and that getting bogged down in the past can prevent one seeing a better future.

While Pat Leahy suggested that Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill’s presence on Garvaghy Road is not going to further Irish unity.

Surely the residents of Garvaghy and the nationalist population of the North can take Sinn Féin leadership support as given?

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With Gerry Adams on hand, there is no need for O’Neill or McDonald to be there in person. Wouldn’t they be better employed – and serving their constituents – by talking to Emma Little-Pengelly and other unionists about how to persuade the Portadown Orange Order to look for a better way forward? Rather than thinking about the next election? – Yours, etc,

ART Ó LAOGHIRE,

Bray,

Co Wicklow.