Sir, - Mary Holland asserts that Sinn Fein will accept the principle of Consent, (August 7th). Has Ms Holland failed to read the Sinn Fein position paper published in the same issue of The Irish Times? Section 4 of the position paper states clearly Sinn Fein's belief that "the route to peace in Ireland is to be found in the restoration to the Irish people as a whole of our right to national self-determination".
The Framework document produced by the British and Irish governments over two years ago makes it plain that the agreement of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland is essential to any settlement. Perhaps Ms Holland could explain how Sinn Fein understands the principle of consent, clearly its understanding of the principle is at odds with that adopted by the two governments. - Yours, etc.
Colin Armstrong,
Newtown Park, Belfast 8.