Northern Ireland

Of all the ludicrous statements I have read in Times editorials on Northern Ireland over the years, one that was made in “Tightening the Net” (Oct. 21) is the best: “The system of British justice applied in Northern Ireland has shown every sign of working fairly.” Really? I am sure this will come as news to the inhabitants of Northern Ireland’s nationalist ghettos!

In the same issue of The Times there was an article by Tyler Marshall on the Anglo-Irish talks that have been taking place over the past year. Discussions have included the possibility of a role in Northern Ireland for the Irish government. The purpose of such a role, as explained by Marshall, is to reduce the isolation felt by the nationalist community and increase its confidence in British government institutions.

Now, why do you suppose the nationalist community has been alienated from British government institutions? Common sense and objective reasoning would enlighten The Times to the fact that it has not stemmed from an even-handed application of British justice. Such enlightenment, however, would require the removal of your Anglophilic blinders, and I have every confidence hell will freeze over before that happens.

MARCIA SIMONSON

Los Angeles