Sir, – Normally, it is foolish to intervene in other people’s troubles. However, the situation in Belfast is so serious that it appears better to say something and be thought a fool, than to remain silent.
In that context I make two observations: first, the principle of “parity of esteem”, while praiseworthy, should be implemented on the understanding that parity is to be attained by raising the standing of those who are inferior, rather than by diminishing the status of those who are content with their condition. Therefore, in this particular case, the Union flag should be allowed to fly over Belfast City Hall, as before, but the Tricolour should be allowed to fly over some other designated building in the city.
Second, in order to widen the issue over flags and identity, steps should be initiated immediately to create an all-Ireland soccer team. Both the anthem and the flag for that team should be speciallly chosen and should not be the same as the present national anthems or flags.
The selected flag and anthem might well be chosen also for the teams that already play rugby, cricket and hockey on an all-Ireland basis. It would, of course, be of tremendous help, if such a team arrangement could be created well before the Rio Olympics of 2016, thus making it possible for Rory McIlroy to be happy to play for Ireland. – Yours, etc,