Sir, Ms Bernadette Sands McKevitt's contention that British "interference" in Ireland's affairs is the cause of the current conflict may well be correct. However, the situation has moved on from this original cause. The reality is that Ireland is partitioned and will remain so as long as the majority in Northern Ireland wish it to be the case. This position has been recognised de facto, if not de jure, by the Irish Government for many years. The British have stated that they no longer have any strategic interest in any part of Ireland and are happy to assent to the wishes of the majority in Northern Ireland. Therefore it seems clear that the barrier to a united Ireland is not the British as Ms Sands McKevitt contends, but the majority in Northern Ireland. - Yours, etc., Des Fullam. Howth, Co Dublin