This newspaper reports on a warm and caring society yet it is hard to see these values in the political arena

I think Clive Maxwell (February 19) is really on to something when he differentiates between the Protestant faith and the Union.

(The letter can be read here: ‘Sinn Fein’s success in the Irish election has shaken politics on island of Ireland to the core’)

The Protestant faith must be protected, and the desire to remain in the Union must be respected. But perhaps it is time to see the difference.

Day after day, in features like ‘Out and About’ and ‘the Roamer’ this newspaper shows a warm and caring society, living good community based lives. It is however, difficult to see these values in the political arena. Why is there such a difference?

In the strange symmetry that often accompanies division, is it a mistake to expect people who are receiving a clear message that they are not included in definitions of ‘us’ will rally to ‘our’ cause and assume they will see that is in their best interest?

In that strange symmetry, the other major grouping of political thought, the one that does not support the Union, is making the same error.

Tom McHugh, Dublin 6