Sir, - Mr McCartney has been singled out for attack in your editorial of October 16th, because of his opposition to relaxing the rules for Sinn Fein's entry into the talks. As I understand it Mr McCartney is quite prepared to talk to Sinn Fein provided they subscribe to the conditions which operate in any democracy, i.e. that they are not allowed to enter dialogue, while reserving the right to use violence if things do not go their way.
A political party inseparably associated with a terrorist organisation, whose political objectives it shares, cannot enter a democratic process based on nonviloence and political terrorism Such a declaration would make the retention of arms unnecessary, and their decommissioning could be begun at once. This was the clear intention of both Governments in the Downing Street Declaration.
In Northern Ireland, the overwhelming majority of both communities do not support, and never have supported, the use of violence. A settlement between the parties representing such people is not impossible, if the two Governments are prepared to stand over it as a final settlement and will not, after some more well timed bombs, institute another "peace process" as a further move to Irish unity.
It is clear that a settlement which would satisfy Sinn Fein/ IRA demands enough for them to renounce violence permanently is democratically not possible, considering that there is a prounion majority in Northern Ireland. Their inclusion, therefore, without a permanent ceasefire or decommissioning, as advocated by irresponsible people, is not only against the rules of civilised society. it simply will not work.
Over the past two years, we have witnessed a level of sectarian bitterness and polarisation between the two communities Which was not present in all the previous years. On the unionist side, this is being fed by the repeated weakening and withdrawal of conditions for Sinn Fein/IRA's entry into the talks, and by the secret, unaccountable nature of decisions taken under the Anglo Irish Agreements. Continuing with the present policies can only produce a dangerous level of instability and a degree of polarisation in Northern Ireland which are the very opposite of the peace, reconciliation and stability" we were once promised. - Yours, etc.,
Bangor,
BT20 5 JR