4 June 1998 Edition

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Mála Poist

More money for Britain



A chairde,

Could it be possible, with this Agreement, that another of the disincentives for continued British presence in Ireland will evaporate? The first disincentive to go was the halt called by the IRA's leadership to its bombing campaign in England at the same time as its cessation of military actions in the six-county theatre of operations.

With increased employment (a larger tax return), no Pool Re, less outlay on rebuilding, `security', propaganda, the judiciary, informers, prisons, or on compensation, could it be that the English Exchequer will in fact be profiting from its `administering' of the six counties?

Notice that there was never talk of democratising the taxation system, no retention of taxes within the six counties and no control over taxation policy or spending for any cross-border body.

The multinational corporations being invited to invest in Ireland as a result of the Good Friday Reformation will contribute as little as possible to the local economy and, as experience in the 26 counties has shown, will pull out when and how it suits them. Being bit producers does not make for a manufacturing base. Being dependent on the services sector will create a false picture of the economy's health, something which will be proven with the future depression of the 26 county economy.

Another quandary for the ``momentum towards a united Ireland'' to dig itself out of.

Aengus O Snodaigh
Dublin

Remove British guns



A chairde,

Full marks to Niall O'Dowd for highlighting the fact that the British security forces have spent £45 million on upgrading military barracks since the ceasefires. Those of us who voted Yes in the Belfast Agreement want to see these guns out of the equation.

Many of us had serious doubts about changing Articles 2 and 3. However, we voted Yes to all parties sitting down in order to resolve the conflict. We will not tolerate preconditions and obstacles in the process towards a new inclusive Ireland.

Finian McGrath
Dublin

No recognition without representation



A chairde,

On the newly amended Free State Constitution, Article 2 recognises constitutionally what previously had only been recognised legislatively; that the nationalist people of the six counties have the right to Irish citizenship. Everyone must pressurise the 26 county government to grant full voting rights and representation to the citizens of the six counties.

It is intolerable for a state to recognise a section of the country's population as citizens but deny them representation.

The people of the six counties are not second class citizens and cannot be treated in that way. The sad sights of a future Irish President unable to vote for herself and another candidate, Dana, being unable to vote for herself in her own town of Derry must not be repeated. I have no doubt that the leadership of the republican movement and all Irish people will continue the struggle for democracy for all of Ireland.

Declan Barrett
Dublin

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