Letter: Violence as a political weapon in Northern Ireland

Sir: Despite Richard Skerman's affirmation (letter, 27 October) that there is no comparison between the IRA and the UVF, there clearly is. Both are committed to violence to achieve political ends. The IRA is determined to achieve a united Ireland through violence. The UVF is determined to maintain the independence of Ulster through violence.

Over the years the Unionists have seen that IRA violence pays off. Step by step, the British have retreated in the face of never-ending violence by the IRA. There is only one lesson to be learnt from this and that is that only violence will protect Ulster independence.

Until the British show the IRA that violence does not pay off, there will be no end to the violence. This will be so whether Ulster is independent or Ireland is united. Cyprus showed the world that a united island leads to unremitting and savage violence. Israel has now come to the conclusion that a united Israel inevitably means violence. There is no political solution when objectives are irreconcilable.

Peace comes by separating the warring parties, not by armed might or armed struggle or even political manipulation. Peace might be brought a little nearer in Ireland if Eire dropped its claim for part of the UK.

Yours faithfully,

J. E. HUNTER

Carnforth, Lancashire

28 October