Sir, - The Belfast Agreement is a masterpiece of diplomacy, dedicated negotiation and sensible give and take by all concerned - a giant step forward.
However, under "Constitutional Issues", para. 1, sub-para. VI it states: ". . . recognise the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland" (my italics).
Would it not be another giant step forward if a similar concession were made by the Government of the Republic, so that those whose hearts and minds are both Irish and British could feel totally accepted and at home?
Without such a reciprocal recognition of birthright, tradition and heritage, nationalists of Northern Ireland will have achieved an enormous gain denied to those citizens of the Republic who are Irish to the depth of their hearts, while British to the marrow of their bones.
In this year of '98, what I suggest would seem an appropriate step to advance "the totality of relationships between these islands". - Yours, etc., Bruce Dean,
Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath.