Letter: New Ulster war

Sir: The probable ending of the civil conflict in Northern Ireland raises the prospect of a new conflict - an escalating breeding war.

If the nationalist, Catholic side should reach over 50 per cent of the voting population they are of course likely to vote for a united Ireland under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

The birth rate in Northern Ireland is already by far the highest in the UK. Perhaps Sinn Fein would now be best advised to spend all its income on financial incentives for mothers to have as many children as possible, and likewise the unionists to protect their majority.

Perhaps we can look forward to the doubling of the population of Northern Ireland in the not so distant future. I can feel the sting on public spending already.

MATTHEW LEWIS

Bristol