Not integral
Sir: Mr John Biggs-Davison's contribution (29 April) is striking in that no item of evidence adduced in the text supports the title chosen for the article, 'England's other province'. That the loyalist community of Northern Ireland professes allegiance to the British crown does not make them an integral part of the community which is Great Britain, much less of that section of Great Britain which is England. The very title of the state, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, makes this point clear. Further, loyalty to, and affection for, the British monarch was widely expressed throughout the old Empire, with undoubted sincerity. That did not make its various peoples any more British, or their lands Pe' manent and integral parts of the realm.
While the loyalist community in Ireland Is British in origin, they have had a historical experience distinctly at variance with that Of the people of Great Britain ; they have therefore evolved into a community distinct 10 identity, outlook, speech and culture. 1° resolve the present situation, this sociolor cal fact must be faced : there are two cony munities in Ireland, both by now indigenous to the island. The loyalist community, however, continues to see itself in its historical role—as a garrison, holding a beachhead of British (not English) influence in Ireland.
Recognising that Mr Biggs-Davison would not associate himself with calls for a British withdrawal from Northern Ireland,' would hope that he would lend his influence towards the achievement of one prerequisite for a settlement. That is the task of convinc' ing the loyalists that this historical role f°1. their community is at an end. Great Britain no longer needs or wants a beachhead or garrison in Ireland. What is needed, particnlarly by the loyalists themselves, is a recognition that their secure and guaranteed future must be found in a new role, in develoPing their identity as a community in their own right, in Ireland. On that basis, détente with nationalist Ireland can be expected, to the benefit of all, Britons and Irish alike.
A. J. McEvoy University of The West Indies Physics Department, St Augustine, Trinidad, W.I.
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