Sir, - Vincent Browne (Opinion, January 21st) makes a useful analysis of the differences between the Joint Framework Document and the Blair/Ahern declaration. He claims on this basis that the IRA ceasefire is in danger, and puts words on a recurring dilemma in the peace process when he says: "Republicans again may perceive themselves as being politically alone. And if alone politically, there is hardly any reason for not returning to `what they are best at'. "
Unfortunately, Mr Browne did not explore the logic of this proposition. Does it mean that the peace process requires that other parties must always seek to approximate their views to those of Sinn Fein, so that Sinn Fein will never feel "alone"? There is a danger that, however unintentional, this may be seen as blackmail.
I believe that Sinn Fein's political leaders are long enough in politics, and that their party has received more than enough electoral support, for them to stand on their own feet in the talks at this stage and argue their case whether others agree with it or not.
That is what politics is about, after all. - Yours, etc.,
Fine Gael leader on the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body, Dail Eireann, Dublin 2.