Sir, - Until now I have had almost unqualified admiration for MrDavid Trimble on account of his courageous leadership of the UlsterUnionist Party. I was disappointed to read that at the meeting of theUlster Unionist Council in Belfast last Saturday he described thisRepublic as "the pathetic sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural Stateto our south".
I was born and reared in the Shankilll/Woodvale area of Belfast, forwhose people I continue to have great affection. After universities,seminaries and service in the Royal Air Force, I came to this Republic42 years ago. Since, on at least three occasions, I have been presentedwith possibilities to leave it, to my greater advantage even. My wife,my family and I had no desire whatever to do so for such reasons as MrTrimble would imagine.
One cannot deny a measure of sectarianism and other undesirablefeatures. Name a state where there are absolutely none. Is the Northwithout? But I am compelled to say that in my and my family'sexperience of recreating, socialising, worshipping widely in thisRepublic we have always found a people enlightened, multi-cultured,receptive to others, whatever their race or creed - and, especiallysince Vatican II - open and generous in debate or discussion onreligion or politics.
I can write about this with some authority: enriching ecumenism abounds among clergy and people.
May I respectfully say to Mr Trimble that, while appreciating thework of wonderful people at the height of troubled times in the North,I have sometimes found myself wishing there could be the same spiritfound in places there as is often found here. - Yours, etc.,
Rev Dr WILLIAM O'NEILL,
The Haven,
Howth,
Co Dublin.