Madam, - Dennis Kennedy's piece on the North (Oct. 31st) is his usual no hope depressing analysis. The future must remain rooted in division and difference. And it was sad to have to read a contribution that rolled back the layers only to apportion blame. His reference to the person who complained that it was "not the gun that killed his relative" is the classic refuge of the "not an inch" merchants that continue to endeavour to thwart progress. Are we to believe that Mr Kennedy still does not know what pulled the trigger? His suggestion that the Irish people must give up their right to self-determination forever, in return for which Orangemen will cease to demand to be allowed to coat trail through areas that they are not welcome in, is hardly confronting reality.
In the spirit of optimism may I suggest to Mr Kennedy that he and his fellows in the Cadogan Group retire to a quiet corner and reflect, not on themselves for once, but on future generations and ponder the question as to how to create an environment in which they can develop and live life to the full free from the burdens of bigotry and hatred. There is only one model and he and his group must summon up the courage to accept that and find the wisdom to ensure that they are fully involved in its development and in its maintenance thereafter. - Yours, etc,
JIM O'SULLIVAN, Rathedmond, Sligo.