Sir, - May I voice my views on the forthcoming referendum and encourage your readers to go to whatever legitimate lengths they consider necessary to influence their MPs?
It is indeed sad and probably the underlying cause of our difficulties on this patch of earth that we lack politicians with statesmanlike qualities. With the possible exception of John Hume, there is little sign of anyone on the political horizon with the courage to lead us forward, out of and beyond party politics.
In such a situation, the people must use the referendum as a means of going over the heads of our failing representatives. We can collectively demonstrate the type of leaders we desire by dragging ourselves out of the sterile arguments of the way things used to be.
At Mr Paisley's press conference a few weeks ago, I listened to his aimless response to this cry from the heart: "Where would you take us to, Ian, if you lead us out of here"? All he could manage was a sarcastic snigger, saying that he wished they would walk out. Utter futility, the politics of "No Surrender", of protest and complaint. As an alleged man of God, why can he not see that God is not the least bit interested in territorial boundaries. God's world is bigger than that, and so too should Dr Ian's world. A Yes vote from a courageous people. Without courage we have no hope. - Yours, etc., Adam Harbinson
Bangor, Co Down.