Sir, - On Morning Ireland on August 11th RTE enlightened us with the views of Clifford Smyth, an "historian", about the critical situation in Bellaghy, Co. Derry. The "Royal Black Preceptory" merely wanted to go to church, Mr. Smyth claimed.
Why going to church has to be accompanied by Orange Order and Loyalist flags and symbols, including swords and bands playing the most provocative of loyalist songs, he did not explain. Nor did the interviewer ask him. Neither did Mr Smyth mention that the necessity to go to church in this same fashion happens half a dozen times in as many weeks through this village. - Yours, etc.,
Patrick's Street,
Dublin 8.