Sir, - If Sinn Fein are not at the table the June talks are bound to collapse, but the situation is not hopeless if the necessary steps are taken now.
In 1984, after the IRA ceasefire was declared and talks were regarded as imminent, it was agreed by all sides, not least by the unionists, that in any negotiations the principle "Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" should operate. Why not revert to this position, which is in everyone's interest? This would mean that each item on the agenda would receive proper attention and that there would be little likelihood of log jams.
The two governments should enunciate this principle as governing the June talks, giving the IRA little reason for delaying its ceasefire and allowing Sinn Fein to take its place at the table.
Yours, etc..
Redford Court,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.