A Chara, - Ruth Dudley-Edwards appears to feel that the lack of acceptance of the unionist perspective within this State is evidence of a lack of pluralism. Given that the essence of southern unionism is the destruction of this State and its complete absorption by our neighbouring state, this is hardly surprising. While there may, perhaps, be some deluded French who hearken back to their forced absorption by the Wehrmacht into a greater Germany, theirs is not, I would feel, a viable political position in France.
On a political level, people within this State - indeed within this island - are hostile to unionism, not because they hate British culture, but because the foundation of unionism has been and continues to be British military power used to subjugate and dominate this island. English culture has given us Shakespeare and Purcell, Austen and Elgar. English expansionism has also given us centuries of conflict, the attempted eradication of our language and culture, and a divided island. For these, and for many other reasons, unionism within this State is not an acceptable option, and its rejection is not a sign of a lack of pluralism. To suggest otherwise is to elevate the denial of reality to heights not geographically encountered in our island. - Is mise,
Domhnall O Sioradain, Richmond Park, Monkstown, Co Dublin.