Fianna Fáil and abstentionism

Sir, – Malcolm Byrne, a Fianna Fáil councillor, decries Sinn Féin's Westminster abstentionism (March 17th). Is this criticism not somewhat ironic, considering that Fianna Fáil's Westminster abstentionism extends to abstaining from elections? If these matters do not apply to that party, might it more accurately describe itself as a regional – rather than national – movement? – Yours, etc,

COLM DORE,

Belfast.