A chara, - John Waters (Opinion, March 7th) characterises the "present incarnation of republicanism" as a "deeply partitionist movement which has no empathy with nationalism south of the border". It is not clear how he reaches such an extraordinary conclusion.
Sinn Féin is the only all-Ireland party and in the EU elections in 2004 had more electoral support in the 26 counties than in the six. Since the peace process began the heightened engagement of Sinn Féin in electoral politics in this State has broadened the debate about the meaning of nationalism and republicanism on this island. The whole thrust of the party's political strategy is to create an all-Ireland agenda, moving towards the progressive reintegration of the nation - including the island economy, democratic institutions and the process of reconciliation.
The party's recent publication of a document calling for a green paper on Irish unity is but the latest attempt to create a forum for what Mr Waters calls "a proper intellectual engagement with the conundrum of notional national unity" - but which he claims Sinn Féin is neglecting.
I did not see Mr Waters at last weekend's ardfheis and it is hard to believe he is writing about the same party. Perhaps he needs to return to his roots as an investigative journalist whose opinions were grounded on facts and on an assessment of the views of real people. It's a long way from the crossroads to the ivory tower. - Is mise,
MICHEÁL MAC DONNCHA, Cill Bharróg, Baile Átha Cliath 5.