Sir. The abrupt and angry dismissal of a constitutional convention in Northern Ireland by John Hume and Gerry Adams should make the Dublin Government consider whither they are being led. They might not like what they find.
The point in this case is that the venue of the talks determines their outcome. If the substantive talks are held in Belfast in a constitutional convention it means that Hume and Adams recognise the right of Northern Ireland to exist, and that they agree to be bound by the outcome which will reflect the democratic will of the people of Northern Ireland or "Six Counties" if you prefer. The unionists will have won.
If the substantive talks are held in Dublin between the representatives of the Northern Ireland nationalists, of the Irish Government, and the British government, and the British government can be persuaded to "facilitate the peace process", for example, by withdrawing troops and financial subventions from Northern Ireland, then the nationalists will have won. This, of course, is the essence of the Hume Adams strategy. John Hume for many years has been seeking a way to by pass the "unionist veto" and felt sure he had got it. Hence his anger at any appearance of backsliding by John Major.
But is this what the Irish people and the Irish Government want? Is it even what the rank and file of the SDLP want?
There is among Catholics in Ireland a general wish to see Ireland re united and independent. But there is little wish to force a million Protestants into a united Ireland against their will. If it were ever to come about most people recognise that a long period of unforced convergence would be required. The Catholics would have to get used to the idea of all laws taking Protestant religious sensibilities into account, of having Protestants appointed to all public offices, for example Minister for Health, with all the religious difficulties that implies. No party in the Dail wants a block of unassimilated Northern Ireland TDs who would bring down every government when they wanted. Nor is there evidence that Northern Ireland Catholics are ready to give up the superior financial benefits of the United Kingdom.
On the other hand, if Northern Ireland's right to exist is recognised, there is a better hope today for a Sunningdale Agreement Mark II than there ever was. The power sharing executive collapsed when Brian Faulkner failed to bring his party along with him. But Mr Trimble has a much better chance of succeeding. Like the Israelis at the present time the Northern Ireland Protestants are prepared to make major concessions provided that their right to exist as a separate state is recognised and violence ceases.
Mr Bruton and Mr Spring would be better advised to support the constitutional convention; it is only granting to the Irish people in Northern Ireland what they claim for themselves.
Yours, etc.,
Bluebird Walk,
Chalk Hill Road,
Wembley Park,
Middlesex.