Sir, - The recent decision by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that the IRA ceasefire is intact is a brave and pragmatic one, but one with which, as a unionist, I cannot agree. Dr Mowlam's political expediency in fudging the issue of continued violence by the IRA, and for that matter the loyalist terror groups too, is fast alienating unionists.
The issue is simple: all level-headed citizens of Northern Ireland wish to see peace and inclusive government in Ulster, but this must not lead to "peace at any price". The future administration of Northern Ireland must be by political parties committed only and permanently to constitutional democracy. There can be no room for parties that espouse the principles of a decent law-abiding society and which hold high government office, but whose paramilitary associates dispense summary justice through murder, maiming, intimidation and terrorism on the streets of the province.
Dr Mowlam should make sure that while she continues turning a blind eye to accommodate Sinn Fein, she keeps the other eye firmly on the unionists. Otherwise she might soon find that the price of her policy of keeping the republicans on board is the loss of the unionists. And where will the peace process be then? - Yours, etc.,
Steven C. Ffearysmyrl, York Road, Dublin 4.