Sir, - The article by the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Andrew Mackay (Opinion, August 4th), provides a convincing argument for ending British intervention in the affairs of this island. After the long, agonising negotiations to reach compromise and agreement in Northern Ireland over which the present government in London and the invaluable George Mitchell from the United States took such careful pains, it is appalling to see this diatribe produced by a politician who could succeed to this sensitive and delicate appointment.
Of course the man is entitled to his opinions and it is indeed educational for readers of The Irish Times to see them set out. It is appalling, though, to note the absence of any attempt to further consensus and understanding. The article again and again asserts as facts opinions of the author on extremely sensitive topics which are at the very core of the present debate and which are being strenuously disputed. These are not analysed or justified in a way which would take the debate on them forward.
The phraseology - reminiscent of an earlier era of British supremacist oratory - exacerbates the shock that this diatribe evokes. For example: "I need hardly point out that these are emphatically not the views of the Conservatives and unionists at Westminster, and of the great majority of the public in Northern Ireland." That someone capable of writing this display of obfuscation and insensitivity should be in line for responsible office in the North shows the hopelessness of expecting stability there under continually changing governments in London. - Yours, etc.,
Michael Andrews, Merrion Road, Dublin 4.