Sir, - As a Southern Protestant, I wish to urge the unionist people of Northern Ireland to vote Yes in the referendum on the Good Friday Agreement. I do so because I believe it provides the best chance for peace on this island, north and south. I believe the Agreement is a genuine attempt at a compromise between people of nationalist and unionist outlook. The unionist people of Northern Ireland will continue to maintain their link with Great Britain while the nationalist people of Northern Ireland will have some of their aspirations met, especially through the North-South bodies and involvement in the government of Northern Ireland.
Making peace with your enemies is not easy. This is true for both unionist and nationalist. However, the unionist and nationalist negotiators in the Belfast talks, coupled with the active support of the British and Irish Governments, have done their utmost to bring about a satisfactory agreement. Unionist leaders of the calibre of David Trimble and David Ervine were and are well capable to fight their corner and, successfully did so, while still recognising the rights of their nationalist neighbours. Indeed, on both sides, we ought to recognise the gargantuan achievement of so many politicians.
The violence and appalling killings in Northern Ireland over the last 30 years need to be terminated for everyone's sake. This Agreement is inclusive, offering power to both sides, and therefore should marginalise those who wish to continue with violence. To do so it needs the support of the people, i.e. a massive Yes vote on Friday. It is vitally important too that we in the Republic vote yes to remove the words from our Constitution which offend the unionist community.
We need to recognise that the No campaign has nothing to offer but uncertainty and exclusion for all the people of Northern Ireland, just the right atmosphere for breeding more violence and long-term uncertainty on both sides. Therefore vote Yes, for a positive future. -Yours, etc., Robert Dowds,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.