Letter: Healing Ulster

Sir: The sincerity of the IRA in holding its ceasefire has transcended the expectations of the most sceptical and cynical observers, so why are people now talking about peace being impossible to achieve when it has already been achieved? Its permanence or impermanence seems now to be in the hands of David Trimble, the Unionist leader.

There is nothing in the Good Friday Agreement which prescribes decommissioning of arms before the Northern Ireland Assembly convenes. History tells the nationalist community not to place too much trust in British promises.

Time and patience will be the great healers. Impatience will only harden distrust.

WILLIAM BURNS

South Queensferry, Lothian