Unionism – an unrequited love?

Law not love holds Union together

Sir, – Fintan O’Toole believes that unionists should worry that “their love for Britain is increasingly unrequited. They are in a cold marriage where their partner is bored, indifferent and disconnected” (“There will be no Westminster revolt over the Windsor Framework”, Opinion & Analysis, March 7th).

One is tempted to respond that you do not need love when you have the Barnett Formula. In any case, Fintan O’ Toole is mistaken if he believes that the Union depends on love. It is based, rather, on law. The principle of consent –the guarantee of the Union – is enshrined in statute and international treaty. Unionists should fret more about ensuring that the Union continues to enjoy support in Northern Ireland than elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

And any unionists in search of love will find little of it in Dublin – and none from Fintan O’Toole. – Yours, etc,

CDC ARMSTRONG,

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Belfast.