Letter: Ulster solution cannot be partisan

Sir: Conor Cruise O'Brien ('First remove the offending articles', 11 June) has argued strongly in favour of the deletion of Articles 2 and 3 from the Irish Constitution: articles stating Ireland's claim to the six north-east counties (currently under British control). He reminds us that it is these articles which are keeping Unionist politicians away from the negotiating table.

The flaw in Dr O'Brien's arguments is his exclusive concern with a solution acceptable only to the Unionists. The nationalist population (supporters of either the SDLP or Sinn Fein) is now 40 per cent of the population, and the numbers are rising.

It is wrong for Dr O'Brien to propose a 'solution' based on the assumption that a significant proportion of the community (the nationalists) simply don't count. Moreover, what he is proposing is not a formula for peace, but for further conflict. Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution reassure Northern nationalists that they are still part of the Irish nation; therefore, in respect of human rights and civil rights, they can look to the Irish government to speak out for them. Once those reassurances are removed, it need surprise no one if the beleaguered nationalist community turns increasingly towards the option of violence.

I am not ignoring the fact that there is not yet a consensus for a united Ireland; however, if you take into account the rights of the nationalist community (who simply cannot be ignored) then it is obvious that neither is there a consensus for a partitioned Ireland. Dr O'Brien's 'solution' is therefore too partisan.

Yours sincerely,

YVONNE HART

London, W11

11 June