Sir, The 1918 General Election proved many things, but it did not provide Sinn Fein with "a clear mandate to proceed with the establishment of an independent state", as David Moane states (October 2nd). In one quarter of the seats, a Sinn Fein member was returned unopposed, not least because of the fear of retribution against those who would dare to oppose them. Even in such circumstances, a majority of votes cast were for parties opposed to Sinn Fein.
Michael Collins was well aware that he had failed to obtain the overwhelming popular mandate that would have been necessary to attain his political goats, and thus was prepared to use the most terrible violence to do so. In his tactical use of the armed struggle, Collins was indeed a worthy ancestor of Gerry Adams. Kevin Myers is to be applauded for the consistent questioning of your nationalist shibboleths, which continue to be a cause of the divisions on this island. Yours, etc., Hon secretary, Ulster Unionist Party, Main Street, Limavady, Co Derry.