LETTER: Talk to enemies, not friends

WE ALL know that there is no acceptable solution to the problems in Northern Ireland and this is why the talks have dragged on so long. I fail to see what benefit will ensue from elections. As with Bosnia and elsewhere it is the religious divide that perpetuates the misery and only the people themselves can remedy that. The past must be forgotten so that they, like me, can live in harmony with their neighbours regardless of colour or creed.

G G Nicholas

Alton, Hampshire