Sir, – I have followed with concern the developments in the Northern Ireland Assembly over the past few days. Most recently there has been the resignation of the UUP’s sole Minister and the threat of expulsion of Sinn Féin from the powersharing Executive or withdrawal of the DUP Ministers. However I am at a loss to understand why there is such a focus on Sinn Féin.
The BBC reported on a public meeting held in Derry on Wednesday. The panel included Sinn Féin’s national chairman and the chief constable of the PSNI, who said he did “not doubt Sinn Féin’s commitment to peace” and that his trust in Sinn Féin was “why I do business with them”.
After the debate, the chief constable said he recognised the Sinn Féin’s leadership’s support for the peace process.
He added that, “Our experience over the last 10 years does not point us towards the senior leadership of Sinn Féin being involved in authorising or sanctioning serious criminal acts or any criminal activity” and “if that changes, we will say so – simple as that”.
Given his unequivocal position, I am forced to question the motives of those seeking Sinn Féin’s expulsion from office, despite that party’s clear democratic mandate.
One is left wondering if this furore is actually only about the forthcoming elections north and south of the Border. – Yours, etc,
DAVID ENRIGHT,
St Albans, Hertfordshire.
Sir, – How ironic that EF Fanning (August 27th) should complain that a "groupthink mindset continues unabashed" in portraying events in Northern Ireland among politicians and media folk in the Republic. To my mind a groupthink mindset continuing unabashed is what the so-called Sinn Féin project is all about. I've never once heard a dissenting voice in Sinn Féin against anything its leadership dictates. Where is the scope for individual thought or even mildly critical opinion within that organisation? – Yours, etc,
BRIAN AHERN,
Clonsilla, Dublin 15.
Sir, – So, our cynical politicians, north and south, have decided to play silly beggars with the peace process and the political dispensation set up after the Belfast Agreement. And the more cynical journalists have decided that a crisis is more interesting than peace, as it provides more opportunities for “good” copy and a possible scoop. So, what has changed since 1969? Some people refuse to learn from the mistakes of the past, if they see an opportunity for self-promotion. Roll on the elections. – Yours, etc,
HUGH McFADDEN,
Dublin 6W.