Sir, - l totally disagree with Kevin Myers's contention that the majority in the Republic is insensitive to the fears and aspirations of the Protestant, loyalist population of Northern Ireland. Indeed it is possible to quantify the extent to which a seachange in public opinion has occurred over the last 20 years, when one considers the most recent survey which showed 70 per cent of the population of the Republic do not regard a united Ireland as their favoured option and recognise the necessity for majority consent to any solution.
This turnaround has occurred primarily in recognition and acceptance of the rights of unionists. It was certainly not in response to any spectacular charm offensive on the part of unionists to ingratiate themselves with public opinion south of the border!
Whether unionists like it or not, the Government of the Republic must be a contributor to negotiations on the future of Northern Ireland, for no better reason than that 40 per cent of the population of Northern Ireland wish that to be so. If unionists could accept both the reasons and motives for the Irish Government's involvement, they might recognise the benefits of working co operatively in pursuit of a common objective instead of their usual manner of addressing us. This veers between spitting contempt and sneering derision, and only succeeds in increasing support for the small minority of extreme republican neanderthals.
Yours, etc.,
Richmond Court,
Dartry,
Dublin 6.