Sir, - My first reaction to the remarks of David Trimble to the Ulster Unionist Council was one of disbelief rather than anger. Perhaps he was suffering from temporary amnesia when he decided to deliver his sectarian, provocative monologue to his predominately male, non-Catholic audience. His language was not consistent with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning, bridge-building David Trimble of the international stage or indeed with the content and spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.
My immediate concern is that what he said might be interpreted as a signal to loyalist bully-boys to continue their intimidation of nationalist communities on the Garvaghy road, at Holy Cross primary school, and at other community flashpoints across the North. As a political leader, Mr Trimble's primary responsibility should be to prevent a particular group from using words as a basis for violence. Provocative language has too often preceded violence in Northern Ireland.
Mr Trimble must be mindful that productive politics will not develop in the North while he continues to ridicule one identity. For better or for worse he has been elected by parties across the political divide in the legislative Assembly as First Minister of all the people of Northern Ireland, and is therefore not just the leader of a select community. He should therefore act, and speak, accordingly. - Yours, etc.,
By Des Kelly, Moyglas Park, Lucan, Co Dublin.