Sir, - One of the more interesting aspects of the current presidential campaign is the highlighting of a trend in the Irish electorate that was hitherto barely perceptible. Traditionally, there were two distinct points of view on Northern Ireland: nationalist or unionist. The recent controversy over Mary McAleese and Derek Nally has highlighted a third viewpoint: a pox on both their houses. A significant proportion of the Southern electorate, while proud to be citizens of Ireland, have no wish to be associated in any way with either faction in any proposed settlement in the North. The fate of Derek Nally's presidential aspirations will depend largely on how well Eoghan Harris can motivate them. - Yours, etc.,
Tom Reilly,
Ballymahon, Co Longford.