Sir, - I write in response to Ms Ruth Dudley Edwards (The Irish Times, October 28th). I agree it will take an incredible amount of open-mindedness for any meaningful progress to be made on matters concerning the two communities in Northern Ireland. However, nothing in this article, which describes the nature of the unionist character, gave me the impression that this openness exists. The characterisation of Northern unionists as great listeners, unwavering in their beliefs, highlights the essence of the problem that nationalists have had in trying to work with their unionist brethren. Historically, unionists have had the luxury of being able to sit back and listen, and then being dismissive of opposing opinions. They operated from a position of strength that had come from years of implementing discriminatory policies. What many unionists in positions of power and influence never seem to understand was that the function of a democratic system is not only to advance the agenda of the majority, but also to protect the interests and rights of the minority. Protecting these rights requires more than listening; it requires addressing the grievances of the minority in ways that are mutually beneficial to all concerned.
The characteristics of the unionists which Ms Dudley Edwards finds endearing could also be construed as stubborn, unrelenting and uncompromising. Having the decency to realise that one is a bigot is not what I would call a magnanimous virtue. Only when one attempts to correct this flaw is there any value in this realisation.
It is easy to speak bluntly and honestly like Ms Edwards feels most unionists do. However, if speaking bluntly only serves to alienate the other community, there is no particular benefit. Northern Ireland has had enough blunt talking; now is the time for words of compromise and respect. I congratulate Ms Dudley Edwards for attempting to understand both sides of this complex equation. It is only by understanding both perspectives that any lasting solution can be achieved. Both communities must communicate, but they should seek first to understand before trying to be understood. Simply listening may be a start, but understanding and proposing alternative solutions are what is required.
It will be up to non-partisan individuals such as Ms Dudley Edwards to advance these notions of mutual respect and understanding. However, if she really believes that the events of Drumcree were not necessarily wicked, then maybe her adventures with the Tyrone Orangemen and the preachings of the "mad, doddering" evangelist had more influence on her neutral stance than she realises. - Yours, etc., F. Fox,
Dallas,
Texas.