Sir, – John A Murphy dismisses Martin McGuinness's aspiration for a united Ireland as "bogus mystique" (January 28th). However, organisations such as the IRFU and GAA have operated on an island-wide basis for over a century. Why not work towards a creative solution that would allow people in the North to participate in an all-Ireland political structure? Long-term peace and reconciliation will best be served when both of the main communities in Ireland are able to fully embrace their identities. – Yours, etc,
MARK NYHAN
Morristown, New Jersey.
Sir, – I see that John A Murphy has launched his usual anti-republican rant yet again.
The first page that I read when I buy this newspaper is the Letters Page. However, I do get slightly dismayed and also bored when Prof Murphy takes aim at Sinn Féin in particular and republicanism in general. As far as I am concerned, he has nothing to offer only old-style political begrudgery. The Irish people must ask themselves one question – could Sinn Fein in power possibly do any worse? I am not a member of any political party, by the way.
The only advantage that I can see from Prof Murphy’s letters is that it is obvious that he hasn’t gone away! – Yours, etc,
DONAL FINN,
Ballygarvan, Co Cork.
Sir, – When are you going to give John A Murphy a column of his own. He is a breath of fresh air. – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA O’RIORDAN,
Dublin 8.