Sir, – Una Mullally was correct in highlighting the very interesting recent Claire Byrne show on the topic of a united Ireland ("Taoiseach's bland nothings on united Ireland fail us all", Opinion & Analysis, March 29th).
However, I would respectfully very strongly disagree with her criticism of Micheál Martin and what she describes as his dithering on the topic.
He has shown over the years that he understands the complexities and nuances of Northern Ireland and the dangers of pushing things without creating conditions of mutual respect, reconciliation and tolerance.
This was very clear from the younger and highly impressive voices on the same programme, such as journalist Dearbhail McDonald, former Ulster and Ireland rugby player Andrew Trimble and Alliance Party leader Naomi Long.
It is perfectly legitimate for someone to aspire to a united Ireland. Just as it is perfectly legitimate to promote a Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. The Taoiseach is in many ways echoing the spirit of two giants of Northern nationalism, John Hume and Seamus Mallon, who talked of uniting people rather than territories.
I note that the SDLP pushed strongly to be able to make that case by being included on the programme but was refused. I suspect that had it been included, it would have sounded similar in tone on many issues to the Taoiseach.
People who advocate a border poll have understandably pointed to the Belfast Agreement and its reference to the mechanism as to how it might come about. But we should always remember that the very opening paragraphs of the same agreement talk of the need to “firmly dedicate ourselves to the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance and mutual trust” and the commitment “to partnership, equality and mutual respect”.
Naomi Long specifically cited the number of peace walls as showing very clearly the extent of division and how far we need to go.
We should focus on maximising the potential of initiatives such as the Shared Island initiative and Connected Citizens in Northern Ireland and be ambitious about what success might look like. – Yours, etc,
HUGO MacNEILL,
Killiney,
Co Dublin.