Madam, - The former SDLP Chairperson Jonathan Stephenson (December 3rd) argues that a discussion on a possible alliance between Fianna Fáil and the SDLP should now take place. I agree.
Eighteen months ago, along with two of my colleagues, Cllr Shane Cassells in Navan and Cllr Michael Sheehan in New Ross, I called publicly for such co-operation to take place and sought to strengthen the position of constitutional nationalism on this island.
The two parties share, I believe, the same vision of a dynamic Ireland that recognises all traditions who live here, that plays an active part in Europe, that respects the need for an effective civic society and that there can only be one form of administration of justice. There is huge respect within my party for the role of the SDLP in bringing about the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.
Such an alliance need not be a merger. The German model of the CDU and her sister party in Bavaria, the CSU, could be explored.
It is now time, however, that those discussions should be happening. - Is mise,
Cllr MALCOLM BYRNE,
(Fianna Fáil),
Ramsfort Avenue,
Gorey,
Co Wexford.
Madam, - Congratulations to Sinn Féin. By their refusal to fulfil their obligations to democracy they have undermined those unionist politicians who were prepared to work the Good Friday Agreement, they have driven the Unionist population into the arms of the DUP and Ian Paisley, they have made a united Ireland even more difficult to achieve, and they have possibly destroyed the Good Friday Agrement.
Bertie Ahern is also entitled to claim a fair amount of credit for this magnificent result. - Yours, etc.,
EDDIE HAUGHEY,
Muff,
Co Donegal.