SF should be acknowledged for bringing about a situation within republicanism, where the legitimacy and equality of unionists views and aspirations are inherently important in bringing about progress in Northern Ireland.
Sir, - The statement made last week by Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams at the World Economic Forum was treated with surprise and suspicion in the media. In fact, it was The Irish Times that titled the relevant article "Adams surprises with acceptance of need for consent on Irish unity". However, there was nothing unusual or surprising about Mr Adams's statement.
In his statement, Mr Adams said a united Ireland could not be forced on unionists without their "assent and consent". But Mr Adams has, for a long time, advanced the idea of a united Ireland that is acceptable to both sides of the community. This is apparent if we only look back to the Sinn Féin Ardfheis of March 1996, where Mr Adams made clear his stance on unionists within a united Ireland.
"We want to make peace with you, we want to end centuries old conflict, we want to be reconciled with you, this is your country every bit as much as it is ours, and we want to share it with you on a democratic and equal basis.
But the media and Mr Adams's political opponents fail to recall any such views being expressed. Even more recently, Sinn Féin's chairperson Mitchell McLaughlin also advanced similar views.
Speaking at a conference in Belfast at the start of this year, Mr McLaughlin stated that republicans must "begin discussions with unionists and other political opponents on the benefits of a united Ireland". Mr McLaughlin also stressed Sinn Féin's "responsibility" in bringing about a united Ireland that is "acceptable to all".
How then can Mr Adams and indeed Sinn Féin's stance seem so surprising? Is it that Sinn Féin's opponents, and indeed the media, have simply labelled it a terrorist party and failed to acknowledge the democratic and political advances which it has initiated?
So Mr Adams's stance is not surprising or unusual. Mr Trimble has, however, failed to make similar statements regarding the legitimacy and equality of nationalists and republicans' fears and aspirations. Instead he seems to use situations like Mr Adams's statement last week for petty recriminations and fails to lay the foundations that may lead to future political progress. - Yours, etc.,
CATHAL HORAN,
Stillorgan Road,
Co Dublin.