If Irish is recognised in NI then unionism must be so in south
The Provos' and others' agitation for Irish language recognition have presented unionists with a golden opportunity to redress cultural imbalance and discrimination, and still they miss.
Instead of objecting to the inevitable, they should used their negotiating position to ensure that unionism gets the recognition that it is due in the Republic.
Recognition of Irishism in Northern Ireland should be conditional on recognition in the Republic of unionist traditions such as 12th July public holiday, official funding, support and encouragement for Orange and Royal Black culture.
An essential element of a balanced approach to cultural diversity is official recognition and remorse by the Republic for Irish Catholic crimes against Protestants and unionists.
Something along the lines of that established by Tony Bliar when apologising for the potato famine would make a good start.
A fully mature approach could take the form of anti-hate memorials in Germany.
David McDowell, Belgravia, London, SW1