Letter: Paisley and the Queen

Sir: The Rev Ian Paisley appears to have just discovered what has been the constitutional convention at least since the reign of Queen Victoria: on political matters Her Majesty speaks on the advice of her ministers.

Mr Paisley's surprise ("Queen is attacked as 'foolish' by Paisley", 27 May) illustrates the fact that his "loyalism" is to a Britain which has not existed for a long time. The sooner he decides his attitude to the Britain which exists now, the sooner we will be able to enter into dialogue with him.

Earl RUSSELL

House of Lords

London SW1