Sinn Fein leader’s approach to a united Ireland is like that of Eamon de Valera

(The Sinn Fein president’s article can be read here:‘The need for an all-island approach to combating Covid-19 is basic common sense’).

A reflection on history would be helpful.

In 1925 the governments of Northern Ireland and the Republic were parties to an agreement by which there was mutual recognition of frontiers.

In 1932 however,the government of Mr Eamon de Valera came into office in Dublin and proceeded to dishonour that treaty.

The Dublin government withdrew all recognition from the government of Northern Ireland and,in 1937 adopted a constitution for the Republic which laid claim to the entire territory of Northern Ireland.

I am afraid Mary Lou’s stance on unity is more in line with de Valera adapted constitution.

The republican propaganda machine never ceases and those ‘alert’ will understand the current stance employed by Sinn Fein in pursuit of their objective which is of course the total negation of Northern Ireland and its constitutional position as part of the United Kingdom.

The treatment and narrow mindedness of those who castigated Sean Cavanagh (GAA Tyrone)for stating the fact that he was in the UK gives further insight into the minds of those who most likely support Sinn Fein.

In her letter Mary Lou Mcdonald’s opening statement seems to me to be a carefully selected piece of propaganda “the health and well being of all who inhabit this island” and is worth pondering.

Sadly, Irish republicans would have had difficulty in making a statement of this nature during the 40 years campaign of murder and bloodshed when human life was rendered expendable in pursuit of ‘the cause’.

Everything British is an offence to a certain type of republicanism and that is why I for one will not sit down and negotiate away my British citizenship.

Sam McIlwrath, South Belfast