Northern Ireland

Press, 27 February 1980, Page 24

Northern Ireland

Sir. — As a visitor, I would never interfere in vour politics but I must defend my own country. In answer to Mr Leahy (February 23), the British soldier has rather more right to be in Northern Ireland than he has to be here. I commend his forbears’ choice. This is my third visit here since I retired and I would come to

live if I was permitted. The British soldier is in Northern Ireland because it is part of the United Kingdom, the wish of the overwhelming majority. Northern Ireland was “colonised” by James VI of Scotland in 1604, before the Act of Union, which is why the majority of Loyalists are Presbyterians, and also before the pakeha discovered New Zealand. If that does not give the British soldier sufficient right, the Scots originally came from Ireland (the langauge is almost the same) so they were merely going "home” in 1604. — Yours, etc., J. A. SINGLETON, Isle of Man. February 25, 1980.

Sir, — The prize for oversimplification must go to Donald McPhillimy (February 25), and those of his kith and kin who talk about the “majority” in Northern Ireland. Readers will be surprised to learn that this “majority” is only 18 per cent approximately of the total population of Ireland. This was the minority who rejected the democratic expression of the Irish nation for a republip free from British domination. Bowing to strident demands from this vociferous minority of British colonist stock, the British Government of the day very undemocratically imposed the partition of Ireland, thus creating the enclave of Northern Ireland. Was it just, then — 60 years ago — is it just now, that 18 per cent should impose their will on 82 per cent of the population. Can this artificial “majority” expect peace? There can be no peace until Britain follows the advice of an increasing number of her politicians and announces phased withdrawal from Ireland. — Yours, etc. D. J. LEAHY. February 25, 1980.