Sir, - The New Ireland Group sends greetings to Senator George Mitchell and applauds his patience, perseverance and understanding. Some 28 years on from the eruption of the latest phase of violence in Ireland, it was timely to read how he had emphasised that we are all caught up in a recurring cycle of violence and intransigence, and that one is feeding off the other.
During the same 28 years, the positions of England and Ireland on the world stage have changed out of all recognition. The ability to redefine Irishness, as Ireland grows in confidence, contrasts with the sad state of England, where there seems to be so much confusion in redefining a post-imperial role.
In such changed circumstances, the people of Northern Ireland, and especially those who promote violence or intransigence, would do well to pay heed to Senator Mitchell's challenge. In other words, who will claim the moral high place and, in the process, break the opponent's justification - those who hold us to ransom by violence, or those who sustain violence through intransigence? - Yours, etc. (on St Patrick's Day),
Charlotte Street, Ballymoney, Co Antrim.