Northern Ireland

Press, 10 May 1979, Page 16

Northern Ireland

Sir, —ln reply to A. Delhanty (May 8), only 58 years ago, with the arrogance befitting a colonial and totally superior military power, Britain rejected the democratically expressed wish of the overwhelming majority of Irish people for a Republic and forced them to accept the partitioning of their country. Like their kith and kin in yesterday’s Rhodesia, British colonists (Loyalists) had refused to accept majority rule and so Britain declared that a part of Ireland be set aside for this 18 per cent minority, and furthermore that this statelet within Ireland would become a British province. That this was unjust, undemocratic and an insult to the Irish people is obvious. It is not surprising that these “fine people” (Loyalists) are ultra-loyal to the Queen — her army guarantees their power and privilege and even their statelet. — Yours, etc., D. J. LEAHY. May 8, 1979.

Sir, — As long as A. Delhanty continues to ignore the historical fact that the six counties of Ulster under British occupation are Ireland’s inalienable territory, he will fail to understand

that the disposal of Ulster's destiny is not within the competence of the Protestant minority, therefore reasonable people throughout the world, not bemused by proBritish prejudice, will honour the Irish people’s will to be rid of the British aggressor. It is not Ireland that needs a spiritual revival, but the British Government which needs leaders of common sense and humanity to recognise the injustice and dim-witted folly of the policies pursued by all British Governments, up to, and including, that of James Callaghan. Unfortunately, the declared policies of the new Conservative Government of Mrs Thatcher inspire no confidence that it will be any wiser or more humane than its forerunners. — Yours, etc., M. CREEL. May 7, 1979. Sir, — In 1912, the Home Rule Bill was debated in the House of Commons. Mr Carson, the spokesman for the North of Ireland said that if the bill was made law he would give his support to the Kaiser. During the last war General Alexander presented a shamrock to his army in Anzio, saying that they would be home next St Patrick’s Day victorious. Since 1939, the 26 Counties had had an army of frontline volunteers. Writing in the “Daily Express” Spike Hughes said of these 200,000 that they had won six V.C.s, 10 George Medals and 30 D.F.C.s. The Eireann work force in Britain was 300,000. Now Mr Delhanty will you give me the definition of loyalty. — Yours, etc., J. MOLONEY. May 8, 1979.