Sir, - Some time ago I made a personal resolution not to read any more of John Waters' articles, because I found them to be unbalanced, rambling and badly argued. I broke that resolution on May 26th and immediately regretted it.
Firstly, he tells us that the Yes supporters and politicians (with the wise exception of himself) really intended by voting Yes. We simply didn't care any more about the fate of Northern nationalists and couldn't be bothered arguing with the unionists any longer. Anything for a quiet life. Can he be serious? Has he missed or just failed to read or listen to all the articles and speeches written and made over the last few weeks. Has he read the actual agreement, does he know of the plan for cross border bodies, for party of esteem, for the Irish language and for prisoners? Most importantly, is he aware that up to 90 per cent or more of Northern nationalists voted for the agreement - have they all been fooled, or do they, like their Southern compatriots, no longer care about their own futures?
Secondly, Mr Waters refers to the historical background against which the Referenda took place, and states, in regard to the hope/ ambition/objective of a United Ireland, that "nobody alive on this island has any right to abandon this project". Where does this restriction on the rights and freedom of choice of the Irish people come from? If this right does not belong to the people now alive and inhabiting this island, then to whom does it belong? Is it the 1798 generation or, perhaps the 1916 generation, and, if so, how did they acquire that right, and, since they are all now dead and gone, how can they be consulted about which way the present or future generations may act or behave? Maybe Mr Waters has a direct line of communication to them and would act as a go between. It is of interest to me to establish why the wishes or ambitions of a group of people long dead and gone should take precedence over the hopes and plans of the present occupiers of the island.
Perhaps John Waters would now consider leaving the Celtic mists and rejoining the rest of us in the late 20th century. - Yours, etc., Brian Stewart,
Forest Hills, Knocknacarra, Galway.