Views of ordinary people not always reflected in political rhetoric on Irish unity

Sir, – I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mark Hennessy’s interview with Noel Liggett MBE (“Senior Orangeman Noel Liggett: ‘I’m Irish. But I’m British and an Ulsterman and Orange’”, News, October 26th). Ballynafeigh Orange Hall is a fantastic asset to the local community in south Belfast . In September, it was opened for European Heritage Open Days where Liggett gave a most informative tour that was attended by a broad cross section of the local community.

It was an excellent opportunity to showcase the hall’s history and heritage to people from all backgrounds. I have found his observations regarding views of people in the south to be true. I attended a protest rally recently in Belfast where I happened to be talking to a woman from Co Monaghan . Like Liggett, she believed that the majority of people south of the Border do not wish to see Northern Ireland incorporated into the Republic and that, while the current arrangements may not be perfect, the status quo is broadly acceptable.

She also expressed the view that Northern Ireland possesses a unique culture and identity of its own, which is neither exclusively British nor Irish, and that attempting to incorporate this distinct identity into the Republic would not necessarily work. Her comments were a reminder that the views of ordinary people across the Border are not always reflected in the political rhetoric surrounding Irish unity. Well done to Mark Hennessy on a most informative article. – Yours, etc, WILLIAM CRAIG, Belfast.