FRANCIS COSTELLO,
Madam, - Tom Cooper (October 28th) asserts that "few tears will be shed" at the demise of Harland & Wolff "by those who value equality of opportunity and respect for all".
Mr Cooper, in the view of this Belfast resident who has proudly worked for equality of opportunity in Northern Ireland, is sadly off the mark and offers a view that, in its sweeping lack of generosity, only mirrors the worst in the sectarianism of entrenched unionism towards Catholic workers like my father over generations.
No joy should be taken in the loss of jobs by any side of the Irish family, including those who claim to be British. Indeed, from a strictly labour-oriented perspective, the further erosion of Harland & Wolff means the loss of valuable skills for the wider Irish nation.
If Mr Cooper represents anything close to a significant view from Dublin on how sectarianism can be eradicated in Northern Ireland by rejoicing in the loss of livelihood to any section of the Irish family, then God help us all. - Yours, etc.,
FRANCIS COSTELLO, Hampton Park, Belfast 7.