Sir, - Brian Hales raises an interesting question: would citizens of the Republic vote for the unification of the Island? My guess is that the majority that habitually pay lip-service to the concept of Irish unity would realise that assuming responsibility for the North would damage their new-found prosperity.
And I would hazard a guess that nearly 100 per cent of the population in the Republic would be against taking responsibility for the Johnny Adairs who might threaten the security, stability and sovereignty of this Republic. I do not believe "Southerners" would be foolish enough to infect themselves with the disease of sectarianism that continues to ravage the North.
Personally I'm happy to let "Johnny Brit" continue to foot the financial and social costs of maintaining Northern Ireland's position in the UK. As a committed "26-county nationalist" who is proud of his country's struggle for independence, I would encourage a "no" vote in a referendum on accepting the North. Surely it's time to leave the anachronism of "Irish unity" and those who pontificate on the subject where they belong - in the last century - and get on with the job of supporting the peace process and encouraging social and cultural fair play in the North - and thus ending parochial politics and outdated political philosophies.
That is the real challenge facing the people of this island. - Yours, etc.,
James Dunne, Templeogue, Dublin 6w.