Sir, – A total of 44 Republicans senators judge that the impeachment trial is unconstitutional (Suzanne Lynch, "Battle for the soul of the Republicans begins with second Trump impeachment", Analysis, February 9th). Some of them, such as Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, say they already know the result: "The result of this trial is preordained. President Trump will be acquitted."
Can Mr Cruz and the 43 others who believe that the trial is unconstitutional be impartial in their consideration of the evidence presented? Can they start over and hear the arguments with open minds?
It seems very un-senatorial to indicate ahead of a trial your belief in the outcome. No juror in a real trial would ever be allowed to indicate on public television his or her view of the guilt or innocence of the defendant ahead of a trial. Mr Cruz and company could take an honourable stand now and recuse themselves to allow the remaining senators to do their duty as jurors. – Yours, etc,
ALISON HACKETT,
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Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin,