Sir, - Over the past number of weeks I, like so many others, tried to make sense of the pros and cons of the Nice Treaty. It was for me always a question of balancing advantages against disadvantages and reading as much as I could from those I would trust and respect.
The Catholic bishops came out, as a body, mainly in favour but Bishop Boyce of Raphoe saw the balance somewhat differently a few days later. So what was I to do? In the end I voted No. What swung it was the arrogance of Mr Ahern - a man I genuinely respect and like - in the way that he put down those who dared to question his authority last week.
Let's have the full discussions now - and then, like the Danes, we might try again. - Yours, etc.,
John Aldridge, Larganboy, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.