Madam, - Regarding the failure of Sinn Féin and the DUP to find agreement, it is not the request to have visual confirmation of decommissioning which seems to be so resented by republicans; rather, it was the expression of a desire to humiliate them which has made convergence of the two parties so much more difficult.
The spoken word may be embellished by tone, grimace, gesture and volume - it is therefore quite different to the written word. It was thus regrettable that the person most likely to become First Minister in a new administration resorted to the embellishment of his desire/intention to humiliate in a manner which, strangely for one so well-informed, was bound to suggest little understanding of historical Republican consciousness and little awareness that the violent political conflict had ended in stalemate.
That embellishment was also likely to make it well-nigh impossible for Republican leaders to carry their followers with them to the decommissioning table. Indeed, some people believe this may have been the objective.
Regarding the quid pro quo of "demilitarisation", British generals, with their army stretched to the limit by global commitment, might well be relieved to follow Republicans to an appropriate extension of a decommissioning-demilitarising timetable.
With the inspiration of Christmas behind us and with the hope and challenge of a New Year ahead, should we not all appeal to the leaders of the Republican movement and to Dr Paisley and all of their followers for even greater understanding and tolerance of each other's positions?
Could it be that Dr Paisley might find it in his heart to make some reconciling statement which could re-charge the hope of many of our citizens for democratically accountable regional government in Northern Ireland?
Likewise, and in spite of the huge distance which the Republican movement has also travelled, may it be encouraged to take an appropriate extra step to assuage the residual fears and insecurity of the unionist people.
Archbishop Seán Brady was right to appeal for humility. Humility for peace; humiliation for more of the same. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN ROBB,
Consensor,
New Ireland Group,
Ballymoney,
Co Antrim.