WILLIAM BROWN,
Madam, - At first sight the letter from James McKerrow (February 19th) might seem reasonable, and I find it encouraging that an Ulster Unionist can acknowledge the real changes that have occurred in the Republic over recent years. Many do not.
He even recognises that those who lead Irish republicanism have come a long way. This prompting him to wonder whether we may now be "witnessing the final chapter of the Fenian phrase of Anglo-Irish relations". And the Orange phase?
It must be obvious, however, that politically and constitutionally the "Fenian phase" in Anglo-Irish relations ended long ago, together with any valid continuity that might be implied by notions associating the Republic of Ireland with violent republicanism.
Mr McKerrow's use of "Fenian" and "republican" indicated that he is referring to their latter-day and largely Northern manifestations, although he doesn't say so. Indeed, his pretextual associations will provide added sparkle to the Northern lights concerned.
Good unionist that he is, he doesn't link the political problems of the North with his prognosis. The Anglo-Irish question can be resolved due to the recent changes in the Republic and by acts of completion by republicans - if unionists would only see it!
But there's the rub. Instead of focusing on the Republic, Mr McKerrow should ask the unionists to look at the North and at themselves - their Orangeism, sectarianism and anti-Catholicism. No less than republicans the unionists also need to change. - Yours, etc.,
WILLIAM BROWN,
(Ulster Unionist),
Banbridge,
Co Down.