Sir, - In 1921, while on a visit to Belfast, King George V said: "I appeal to all Irishmen to pause, to stretch out the hand of forgiveness and conciliation, to forgive and forget and to join in making for the land which they love a new era of peace, contentment and goodwill."
He was, of course, speaking of the momentous events which were taking place in Ireland during that time. What he said could easily refer to the present time. It has taken 77 years to realise those sentiments, as symbolised by David Trimble and Seamus Mallon working together. Yet we are so close to that edge of despair, division and destruction.
Perhaps it's time for the Orange movement to stretch out that hand of friendship and for the nationalists to do likewise and for both to accept it wholeheartedly, particularly in light of the dreadful events over last weekend. - Yours, etc., Erick Dillon,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.