Sir, – Gerry Moriarty’s succinct analysis (“Fifteen question for the new year”, 2013 Preview, December 31st) of what is needed if symbolism is not to undo progress in the North requires a positive response at all levels of society on both sides of the Border.
The majority community in Northern Ireland will not have their fears for the future assuaged by stunts about flag flying that actually lengthen rather than shorten the time it will take to create the environment when unity can realistically be contemplated.
Everybody in the 32 counties, and not just politicians, has a role to play in assisting cross-community and cross-Border dialogue.
As Gerry Moriarty put it so well in relation to developing a shared society in Northern Ireland, “basic good manners at all levels of society would make most hurdles surmountable”. – Yours, etc,