Sir, - In compelling manner, Dr Conor Cruise O'Brien recently suggested that it could be to the advantage of unionists to forge a union with the rest of the people of Ireland. In his Edinburgh speech of October 29th, the Taoiseach urged a rapidly changing Britain and Ireland to consider the implications of a conferral relationship.
Then, on Sunday, November 22nd, Mr Ahern stated that a united Ireland was likely in his lifetime. If by that he means absorption of the North by the rest of Ireland, we would disagree with him profoundly. If, on the other hand, he is talking about a truly new Ireland in which diversity is respected, human rights protected and interdependence acknowledged, then we should be glad to build it with him. We are all challenged to think about our future in the context of rapidly changing times.
Understandably, unionists are finding it difficult to come to terms with the changed world in which they must now operate. In the space of 50 years the old world in which the Union played a central and extremely powerful role has passed into history for ever. In the last Westminster General Election, the combined majority of all parties with ideological commitment to the union was 3,948 - hardly overwhelming.
In looking at the situation in the light of its realities, the New Ireland Group would again urge the unionist people to face up to the future by taking the initiative rather than forever being on the defensive.
With at least one representative for every 30,000 of the population (Article 16.2.2 of the present Irish Constitution) Northern representatives would have immeasurably more clout in an Irish parliament than they have ever had in Westminster - and this at a time when Irish political influence is on the increase all over the world.
Furthermore, the same Irish Constitution allows for devolved legislatures - provincial assemblies (Article 15.2.2) - and this should suggest a considerable degree of regional autonomy. All such change would be taking place in the context of a new Europe in which there is a mechanism already in place for the protection of human rights.
Unionists could still become co-architects and leaders for a New Ireland with an entirely new constitution - but they would need to act before it is too late. - Yours, etc., John Robb, Wes Holmes, Jack McDowell, New Ireland Group,
Charlotte Street, Ballymoney, Co Antrim.