Sir, - At a time when people throughout the British Isles are endeavouring to create a climate for better understanding and co-operation between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and also between the Republic and Northern Ireland, it would be wrong for us in Northern Ireland to ignore and fail to record our appreciation of the expressions of condolence and sympathy expressed by many, many people in the Republic following the tragic death of Diana, Princess or Wales.
I consider the decision by the Government to lower flags to halfmast and the presence of both your President Robinson and Prime Minister Ahern at the service in St Patrick's Cathedral to be significant contributions to better understanding amongst our peoples. Such gestures are helpful to the improvement of relations within this island and will assist the creation of genuine respect and mutual understanding between our two states. - Yours, etc.,
House of Commons, London SW1.