Letter: When counting costs is offensive

From Mr Simon Wilson

Sir: I am afraid that the letter from P Tomlin (21 February) typifies an ignorance of the Irish question all too prevalent on mainland Britain.

It is most offensive to suggest that Northern Ireland is some sort of unruly colony, whose cost to the taxpayer means it should be dispensed with. Northern Ireland is an integral part of the UK, a province separated from the mainland by the Irish Sea but which nevertheless shares its cultural identity and heritage, and whose inhabitants have consistently exercised their democratic right to remain British.

Bombings in London, tragic though they are, are nothing in comparison to the death and destruction that the inhabitants of Northern Ireland have suffered over 25 years.

These brave and decent people deserve sympathy and support from their fellow citizens, not the regrettable attitude of Mr Tomlin.

Yours faithfully,

Simon Wilson

Edinburgh