Sir, – In dismissing a “German-style big bang reunification”, Michael McDowell ignores the fact that Germany is a federal state, as are other European states in which German is a primary language, such as Austria and Switzerland (“Confederal approach to Irish unity is the only one that will work”, Opinion & Analysis, October 12th). The resulting checks and balances mean that in governing themselves, people can take a phased approach to many issues. One hundred years ago, those who drafted and adopted the constitution of the Irish Free State were aware of these models. Since then, our governing networks have concentrated power in central government.
This does not suggest an open-minded approach to enhancing democratic governance on this island. – Yours, etc,
DONAL O’BROLCÁIN,
Drumcondra,
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Dublin 9.