Sir, - I am most grateful to Ian Livingstone (July 19th), for most adequately and eloquently making exactly the point that my article (July 12th), had out lined. Mr Livingstone puts the stereotypical position adopted by a small number of people in the Irish Republic when describing the British people in Ireland.
I feel that my case is fully made and I would encourage him to support me on other occasions by writing further such material to media outlets.
Until there is a confrontation with the tunnel vision exhibited by some people on the island of Ireland we cannot move on to a new period of inclusiveness which was foreseen in the Belfast Agreement. One does not have to agree with ones opponent or next-door neighbour in terms of their culture, their poli tics or their religion. One does have to show respect and a willingness to understand and to develop institutions that are inclusive.
I am very struck by Mr Livingtone's generosity in supporting me with his caricature which is even prepared to infer that he has not read the Belfast Agreement. I thank him and say Q.E.D. - Yours, etc.,
Lord Laird, House of Lords, London.