Sir, - It is to be hoped that Dr Mowlam will receive the unstinting support in the months ahead of everyone in both parts of Ireland who wishes to see a constructive resolution of our conflict. Quite simply she is the best person for the job - it is impossible to visualise anyone in British political ranks who is more suited. Not for her the alienating, patrician airs of some of her predecessors, nor is she likely to confuse egotistical power-play with reasoned political judgement. Most important of all, she is genuinely committed to listening to the needs of all the people, and encouraging real interaction between us.
As with any process of flux and change, there will sadly be more violent incidents (usually causing the greatest suffering to the poorest and least powerful in our society), because of extremist exploitation of uncertainties. It is precisely at such times that Dr Mowlam needs the insightful support of leading politicians in the North and the South. To call for her resignation in the wake of the Maze security breakdown is a myopic ritual that serves no purpose. Reciprocally, the Government in the South must weigh every decision relating to the North particularly carefully. It was emphatically not sensitive timing to release prisoners in the Republic without consultation at a point when loyalist perceptions about neglect of their own needs were at such a level.
Let January 1998 be the time when the real talking at last begins. - Yours, etc.,
From Dr Brian Caul
Islandtasserty Road, Coleraine.