Sir, - It is interesting to note that Jonathan Blake's assertions (April 28th) are based on the assumption that the secession of Scotland from the United Kingdom is inevitable. He also seems to suggest that the unionist community should give up its identity in preparation for the seemingly inevitable end of partition.
History is never predetermined or so easily predicted. Perhaps a brief look at the history of our own State would illuminate this. In 1900 the Union between Ireland and Britain never looked so secure, especially considering the split in the nationalist party. Yet by 1922 it was in tatters.
On the other hand, with the passing of the Parliament Act of 1911, which effectively removed the veto of the Lords, an Irish Home Rule Act seemed inevitable. Incidentally, Home Rule Acts for Scotland and Wales were also planned. However, even though an Irish Home Rule Act reached the statute books it never materialised, due to the cataclysmic events of 1914 and 1916.
Mr Blake also seems to suggest that Irishness and Britishness are incompatible. For many, especially in Ulster, this is not the case. And until this sense of identity is given the legitimacy it has, unionists will always have deep suspicions of those who try to paint them as mere colonisers. - Yours, etc.,
Wesley Forsythe, Crosshaven, Co Cork.