Letter: Irish unity debate on BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback was enthusing, exhilarating and enlightening, in equal measure

It was equally enthusing, exhilarating and enlightening.

Especially when Patricia McBride described Ben's contribution as the most convincing argument she had heard in support of the Union – which begs the question: what is the point in electing hundreds of unionist councillors, MLAs and Members of Parliament every four years if a journalist is doing a better job?

Having said that, I found myself in full agreement with Wallace Thompson when he openly said what every unionist is thinking right now.

We are in a mess of our own making.

But where I fundamentally disagreed with Wallace was when he suggested that Orange Order parades are the prime example of why nationalists continue to misunderstand those of us who remain avowedly pro-Union.

They are not.

Because loyal order demonstrations are exclusively Protestant events and, going forward, Northern Ireland will only survive by embracing secularism, pluralism and diversity.

That is the way forward, that is the way ahead.

Alan S Carson, Castlereagh BT5