Sir, – Patricia McCarthy and Mick Rafferty are far too diplomatic in their diagnosis of the discontent among the unionist working class (Opinion August 20th).
Fear of cultural erosion for the unionist working class may be part of their worries, but the real cause of their discontent is the loss of their political dominance. The days of marching through Catholic enclaves shouting anti-Catholic obscenities appears to be passing. It was significant that the recent trouble stemmed from the barring of a parade through a Catholic district. The unionists/ Orange Order seem to think that sticking it to the Catholics every July 12 is a God-given inalienable right: it’s not.
We should all applaud the Parades Commission decision to stand up to the bullying of the Orange Order. Northern Ireland is growing up and the entire unionist community, including the working class, will have to grow up with it. – Yours, etc,
LIAM COOKE,
Greencastle Avenue,
Coolock, Dublin 17.