A chara, - Your claim (January 7th) that John Hume has shown the value of sitting in Westminster during his 30 years as leader of the SDLP is questionable to say the least. What has the SDLP achieved by sitting in the London parliament all this time? How has their presence there shaped the political agenda? Compare 30 years in Westminster to the effects of John Hume's dialogue with Gerry Adams, his contacts with the White House or Brid Rogers support for Garvaghy Road residents. As a republican I feel that the SDLP would do well to follow Sinn Fein's policy of abstentionism, if they wish to advance a nationalist agenda.
That policy proclaims the illegitimacy of partition and the Six County state let more effectively than any other gesture or declaration. Lenin may have said that he would stand on any dung heap to get his views across but in Westminster who is listening? That is not to deny the importance of winning the seats. Look at Gerry Adams or even Joe Hendron (elected with the astute help of the UDA). Dr Joe's victory was certainly significant for the British government, but I recall few memorable speeches from the West Belfast MP.
Yes, you are correct to predict little hope of compromise on the issue of abstentionism, per se. However other possibilities such as compromise candidates could offer a solution. If SDLP voters dislike Sinn Fein, as you suggest, let me assure you that many Sinn Fein voters find the SDLP's recognition of the British "constitution", support for the RUC and, at times, Catholic conservatism no less difficult to stomach.
Many nationalists, however, feel no particular loyalty to the SDLP or Sinn Fein, but rather float between the two. For them removing the Rev William Crca or former UDR member Ken Maginnis is the priority. It is an understandable viewpoint. An "understanding", to use David Trimble's phrase, is essential. The downside, however, might be to leave unionist minorities unrepresented just as nationalist minorities and majorities are unrepresented at present.
The British imposed APR in multi-seater constituencies (PRSTV) to ensure fair representation in the Twenty-Six counties. Maybe they should now do the same for the rest of the island. Everyone is entitled to representation, election pacts or otherwise, and UDA supporters should not really have to vote for Dr Joe. Hendron. - Is mise,
AscaI Mac Giollarfogh, Droim Conrach, Baile Atha Cliath 3.