Letter: Irish territorial claims
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: In arguing that Articles 2 & 3 of the Irish Constitution reassure nationalists in Northern Ireland that they are still part of the Irish nation, Yvonne Hart perpetuates a misconception (Letters, 15 June). If Articles 2 & 3 claimed only to represent the human and civil rights of nationalists in Northern Ireland, this interpretation might be reasonable. Indeed, this role is already enshrined in the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985. Even if the articles were a claim over territory in which nationalists form a majority, they might retain some merit.
Unfortunately, the articles assert much more. They claim the territory and allegiance of one million Unionists who repeatedly and consistently reject the claim. The term 'United Ireland', used to describe the claim, is unreasonable and certainly not a neutral use of language. In terms of people, a 'greater Ireland' policy is a more accurate description. Territorial claims are dangerous, and advocates of such a policy should not be surprised that 1 per cent of nationalist adults in Northern Ireland feel it is worth fighting for.
Yours sincerely,
GRAHAM GUDGIN
Islandmagee, Larne
16 June
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments