Opinion

Exploiting wedge issues does nothing to advance reconciliation

I read with interest Chris Donnelly’s article (August 31) about partition and the IFA’s chequered past. Chris makes a valid point about the many inglorious stains that rest on the legacy of the IFA. Two examples readily come to mind: the unpunished 1948 sectarian riots at Windsor Park that drove Belfast Celtic from football forever, or the notorious 1989 World Cup qualifier, again at Windsor, witnessed by the late Jack Charlton. So, Chris has a point, the IFA does have a difficult history, but then few organisations could claim otherwise and that is the past. What about the future?

My difficulty with Chris’s article, when he cited the decision by Mark Sykes to opt for the IFA, is that he was looking through the wrong, (Republican tinted?) end of the telescope. The problem of players nurtured by one authority, then poached by another is not exclusive to the IFA, national teams or indeed confined to soccer. Coaching costs time, effort, scarce resources, so to be subsequently spurned it is only natural that people will feel disappointed and let down. Looking South recently Declan Rice, previously supported by the FAI, opted to play for England instead. Eoin Morgan a star all-Ireland Cricket International also switched to play for England. Chris suggests that the onus is on the disappointed IFA to change, when really the problem is a global one, with little to do with Irish sectarianism from either side.

That said, Chris has raised an interesting question about unification and how to change hearts and minds of our fellow citizens? Reflecting upon unification, which SF bangs on about constantly, one wonders how they intend to bring it about. What is their plan? Chris must be aware of the toxic effect Sinn Féin statements have on non-nationalists?

During elections, stoking up outrage and resentment may well fire up their electoral base, but while exploiting wedge issues to split one part of the community from another, may bring short-term gain, perversely it does nothing to advance reconciliation much less advance unity and ultimately is self-defeating.

So, having raised the issue, one might ask how does Chris or Sinn Féin propose to produce a unified Irish football team?

In the greater scheme of things, it should be fairly easy, if they can’t do that, one wonders how they could hope to unite the country?

FRANK HENNESSEY


Belfast BT9

Beyond belief that The O’Rahilly residence is due to be demolished

There is currently a story of great importance to those who cherish their Irish Identity. It is the decision of the Dublin planners and officials in the area to grant permission to demolish the house at 40 Herbert Park Dublin, lived in by the Irish patriot Thomas Joseph O’Rahilly –commonly known as ‘The O’Rahilly’. I am sure most readers will know the story about O’Rahilly who was a founder member of the Irish Volunteers in 1913 and acted as director of arms. He played a key role in the arming of the Irish volunteers prior to the Easter Rising. The O’Rahilly was not part of the organising committee for the Rising and only found out about it when it was actually under way. Nevertheless, he immediately made his way to the GPO to play his part in the rising. Sadly, on the final day of fighting O’Rahilly, aged 40, was killed by the British army. Every history of the Easter Rising that I have read has included the story of ‘The O’Rahilly’ which shows just how important a figure he was at the time. It is beyond belief therefore that the house he lived in is due to be demolished to provide a site for a hotel and apartments and has not been protected.


The purpose of this letter is to ask anyone who has any influence in their community,or as part of an organisation, to organise a protest about this act of national vandalism before the diggers get to work. Please act quickly before it is too late. My party Aontú is already engaged in highlighting this issue and we are more than happy to see others engage in this issue.

EAMON DALLETT


Dungiven, Co Derry

Develop Belfast for citizens not for developers

The Workers’ Party strongly oppose the Tribeca development in central Belfast. We feel that the plans as they currently stand do not provide the regeneration that is needed in Belfast. Instead it stands to introduce a gentrification of the city which ignores the urgent needs of our citizens and serves only to benefit developers.

Not only do the plans include demolishing buildings of heritage it will also reduce public space which in Belfast is already an issue.

In addition to these concerns is the quality of the accommodation proposed. There is no provision for social housing and the plans are very deeply flawed.

All workers are entitled to a liveable, long-term home that is fit for purpose. These plans do not even come close to providing any of these requirements.

The Workers’ Party calls for Belfast City Council to urgently work with the Housing Executive to ensure there is a robust plan in place to create and provide social housing for all citizens in Belfast.

GEMMA WEIR


Workers’ Party,


North Belfast

DUP can’t dictate to remain voters

In 2016 the people in Northern Ireland voted not to be British citizens, because this would mean having to leave the EU, via Brexit and forfeiting our economic parity with the rest of Ireland and all the countries in Europe.

Ever since we voted that way, the DUP has spoken as if we said the opposite.

They keep talking as if we voted according to the way the DUP wish we had voted.

And now Arlene Foster is saying: “If it… (a border poll) … was called today, of course people would vote to remain in the United Kingdom.”

Why do you think she imagines that the DUP can dictate to all the people in Ireland, north and south, as to what makes us northern Irish people stay in Britain’s command?

We already voted the opposite to what she wishes, and the media is negligent in not pointing it out very strenuously.

GABRIELLE STEWART


Omagh, Co Tyrone