Sir, - The lesson from criticisms of John Hume's original; talks with Gerry Adams must be learned. Nothing will be gained by ostracising Sinn Fein. Negotiation and compromise must take precedence over violence and politicians must act to demonstrated that violence is futile and counterproductive. The Downing! Street Declaration was an enormous step forward for unionists because their right to self determination, although a minority on the island of Ireland, was formally recognised by both governments. Despite this, the IRA; declared a ceasefire which showed clear evidence of their desire for change.
The subsequent actions of the Official Unionists would indicate that they failed to recognise their improved position in the minds of nationalists. They therefore provided an answer to Albert Reynolds's comment: "who is afraid of peace?" It has been clear for some time that the British government's erection of successive road blocks to all party negotiations would likely end in disaster. Isolating Gerry Adams, treating the Mitchell trio with contempt, and placing the Major government survival in pole position may be understandable, but it is not excusable.
Negotiations must be continued with all parties to rein in the bombers. The Taoiseach must realise that demanding public statements from Sinn Fein that we all know will never be forthcoming is futile and only serves to erect further barriers. More international pressure must be applied to John Major, because there is nothing to suggest that a Blair government will be any different. British Labour government's record on Northern Ireland is not encouraging. I can only hope that sense will prevail and that violence will not continue. - Yours, etc.,
Glasnevin Avenue,
Dublin 11.