A chara, - The Sinn Féin motion on Irish unity which was recently debated in the Dáil should be welcomed as it puts Irish unity back on the political landscape. Although the motion had been worded to attract all-party support, the response from the Government and other establishment parties was quote pathetic, with the Government amendment to the motion not even mentioning Irish unity.
In fact, its amendment included a line stating that it opposed "any political move or initiative which would increase tensions between the two main traditions on this island, in light of the clear need to restore trust and confidence in the political process".
This amendment, now passed by the Dáil, has given unionists a new veto on any further political progress on this island.
It is ironic that this new unionist veto on progress has been granted at a time when politicians are rushing to highlight their newly discovered republicanism: the Taoiseach has announced the return of the Easter military parade; Mr Michael McDowell has informed the Dáil that he is "a republican and proud to be one". Pat Rabbitte has followed suit, adding that "as for Irish unity, I too am a supporter"; while Enda Kenny has announced the formation of the "Collins 22 Society" whose mission statement aspires "to perpetuate the name of Michael Collins, honour his ultimate sacrifice and aspire to his life principles".
While the party leaders are happy to don the robes of republicanism in an attempt to halt Sinn Féin's political rise, their response to the party's recent motion on Irish unity clearly robs them of their new garments. - Is mise,
E. F. FANNING, Churchtown, Dublin 14.
A chara, - Bertie Ahern has greatly undermined the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement by his repeated assertions that Fianna Fáil will not go into government with Sinn Féin.
The Belfast Agreement, which was approved by a large majority of voters north and south, stipulates that the largest unionist party and the largest nationalist party provide the First Minister and Deputy First Minister while all the major parties are proportionally represented on the Executive.
After the IRA decommissioned its weapons and announced it was ending all activities, it seemed that all the excuses that the DUP had made for refusing to share power with Sinn Féin had been removed.
Now Mr Ahern, ably assisted by Mr McDowell and Mr Kenny, have given Mr Paisley yet another pretext for refusing to implement the will of the people. - Is mise,
Dr SEAN MARLOW, Willow Park Road, Dublin 11.