Madam, - Martin Mansergh's Saturday column is rarely short of naivety but his latest contribution exceeds everything to date. As he outlines the wonderful benefits of a united Ireland, he informs us of the economic and cultural paradise that Northern Ireland citizens are forsaking when they refuse to join us.
Yes, of course. Why should people in Northern Ireland not experience a collapsing health service, rat-infested schools and the political and business corruption that prevails down south? Why should housing in Northern Ireland remain affordable for ordinary people? Why shouldn't the property speculators so beloved of Martin Mansergh's Fianna Fáil be set free in Northern Ireland to bring them the delights of our planning procedures and land-price manipulation?
Perhaps Dr Mansergh would take a closer look at both parts of this island and then tell us which part most closely resembles the Ireland of Pearse and Connolly. The entity that is Northern Ireland is far from perfect, but is it really inferior to the southern haven of corruption and inequality that masquerades as a republic? - Yours, etc.,
MARTIN O'CONNOR, Trinity Plaza, Dublin 2.