‘United Ireland’ phrase spoils historic day

AFTER the historic happenings in Stormont, Martin McGuinness gave a wonderful radio interview.

It was all about “reconciliation”, “working together”, “mutual respect” and “consigning 800 years of bad history to the dustbin”. It made you feel all gooey inside. Then he went and spoiled it all by saying, “We are now irrevocably on the road to a united Ireland.” This is enough to drive the average unionist insane.

McGuinness still doesn’t realise that our primeval urge for a united Ireland is the fundamental cause of the conflict in the first place.

This fixation with a united Ireland remains a cancer in our body politic and, until expunged, can break out as violence at any time in any generation.

I would ask Mr McGuinness et al not to underestimate the power of our animal territorial instinct to cloud and twist our rational mind in these matters.

A “united Ireland” is not our call and to persist in banging on about it is aggressive and belligerent, as well as being downright insulting, offensive and infuriating to our unionist neighbours.

If ever a majority of unionists want unity, it is for them to request it and for us to consider it.

Dick Keane

35 Silchester Park

Glenageary

Co Dublin