Sir, - As a long-standing member of the New Ireland Group, I have been re-reading the submission made by the Group to the New Ireland Forum back in 1983. In relation to the suggestions which are currently being aired concerning a change in the composition of the Irish Senate, it may be of interest to you to recall that, at that time, the group recommended:
"That the Irish Senate should be expanded from 60 to 80 members with 20 from the North (17 of those chosen by Northern parties shared out in proportion to their Assembly election vote and three to be nominated by the Taoiseach as at present). The seats of those unionist-minded members who would have the right to sit - but who might not take up the opportunity - should be kept vacant as a constant reminder to all parties of the distance yet to be travelled if we are to achieve political and constitutional reconciliation in Ireland." - Yours, etc., Noel Patterson,
Drumskea Road,
Ballymoney,
Co Antrim.