Sir, – Sunningdale Agreement (1973); Anglo-Irish Agreement (1985); Downing Street Declaration (1993); Belfast Agreement (1998); St Andrews Agreement (2006); Hillsborough Agreement (2010); Stormont House Agreement (2014); and now the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan (2015).
If you don’t like a political agreement in Northern Ireland it seems you only have to wait a while and another one will come along.
The large number of formal “agreements” is surely indicative of a continuing lack of fundamental agreement between key sections of society in Northern Ireland. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS
MAOILSEACHLAINN,
Lettermacaward,
Co Donegal.
Sir, – The disinterment of the A5 Western Transport Corridor serving the northwest is a welcome feature of the Fresh Start agreement on Northern Ireland.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan promises £25 million a year for three years, but this must be seen in comparison with the €400 million promised in the 2006 St Andrews Agreement.
The Irish Government remains “supportive of the commitment”, which doesn’t sound like much cash.
From an all-Ireland perspective, the strategic importance of this road cannot be overstated.
Donegal remains Ireland’s most deprived county. Its people have the lowest income and the least chance of employment.
The lack of a dual carriageway to Dublin entrenches the disadvantage in this isolated county. – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Gaoth Dobhair,
Co Dhún na nGall.