LETTER : Definitions of democracy in Northern Ireland

From Mr Michael Gordon

Sir: There is a great deal of talk about talks in the peace process, but no suggested agenda. The republicans want a united Ireland, but they know that this is not at present negotiable (since it would require a plebiscite) or achievable.

This set of "troubles", however, did not start over republicanism, but over the treatment of Catholics by the Protestant majority in Northern Ireland. This subject is negotiable. With this as an agenda, both sides should sit down without loss of face.

Yours truly,

Michael Gordon

Pulborough, West Sussex

12 February