Slightly constitutional dealings with Sinn Féin

SUDDENLY, after years of weakness and excessive concessions toward paramilitary forces that threaten state security, and the sidelining of parties such as the SDLP and the UUP, the Government feels it is now uncomfortable in dealing with SF/IRA.

Late last year, senior government figures suggested a future coalition arrangement with Sinn Féin, but then quickly reversed this because of the public outcry.

In practice, FF has already gone into coalition with SF in Cavan County Council and Bandon Town Council, to give just two examples.

FF, if numbers dictate, will accept SF support. They will do a deal with anybody to stay in power.

It is high time the Government took a hard line against those who have no fidelity to our hard won statehood and do not respect our democratic institutions.

FF a slightly constitutional party indeed!

Mark Wakefield

Mercier Park

Turners Cross

Cork.