Trimble's Speech In Oslo

Sir, - It was edifying to compare the acceptance speeches by the two principal architects of the peace process at the Nobel ceremony…

Sir, - It was edifying to compare the acceptance speeches by the two principal architects of the peace process at the Nobel ceremony in Oslo. While Mr Hume sought to employ the practical experience of the European Union to bolster the idealism of "peace", Mr Trimble referred to a host of thinkers to portray the difficult realpolitik of "process".

We are familiar with the nationalist leader's laudable theme but there was much said by his unionist counterpart that felt novel and significant (if often contentious). Mr Hume has long advocated a paradigm shift in the thinking behind Northern politics; Mr Trimble seemed almost to be attempting to debunk republicanism as a legitimate ideology (or indeed to debunk the legitimacy of radical ideology at all) in the context of the present settlement.

The media will probably concentrate on the impact of the broad event on the current impasse. However, Mr Trimble's articulation of a political philosophy for unionism, post-agreement, should not be overlooked. While I (I imagine along with Sinn Fein) cannot agree with much of what he said, that is largely beside the point. I think that it should be welcomed because it is surely the best evidence yet for genuine intellectual engagement with the national question. - Yours, etc., Sean Lynch,

Grosvenor Villas, Rathgar, Dublin 6.