Sir, In his Panorama interview on July 15th, John Major implored the people of Northern Ireland not to turn to the voices of extremism, whether they be Protestant or Catholic, but to turn to, the centre.
He should know by now that the decisions made and reneged upon regarding the Garvaghy Road Orange parade have ensured that the middle ground in the North has, in one turbulent week, virtually disappeared. Not since Bloody Sunday in Derry have I seen such unity and anger among the nationalist population.
The sad fact is that with the nationalists feeling particularly let down, the forthcoming August 10th Apprentice Boys' march in Derry has acquired a special significance. In some nationalist quarters there is the feeling that they are two (or more) nil down, and Derry may once again be seen as the place to even old scores.
For political leaders in London, Dublin and Belfast, there is no time to waste on semantics. No effort must be spared in the time that remains to get an accommodation which will, hopefully, avoid further violence in Derry. Yours, etc., Andersonstown Road, Belfast, BT 100HY.