Unionists unheard
Sir: As an 'often shy, almost always slow of speech' Ulsterman, I am well able to 'tell the difference between a pop festival and a vital vote' (Leader, 23 May). However, while I accept that U2 or Ash swayed few voters, the efforts of the media did have an undue influence on the referendum.
There was a virtual press blackout of the `No' campaign and whatever coverage it did receive was generally negative. Even the Ulster Newsletter, a pro-Unionist newspa- per, failed to give balanced coverage. For example, on the Monday before the vote it allocated ten pages to the 'Yes' campaign and a paltry two column inches to the alter- native view, despite a very active weekend by the 'No' campaigners.
The media also attempted to dismiss the `No' voters as belonging in the past. This ignored the fact that many of the most tal- ented young members of the Ulster Union- ist party, such as Arlene Foster, David Brewster, John Hunter and Peter Weir, campaigned against the agreement. They represent an intelligent, constructive Unionism and deserve more recognition for their valid concerns about the conveyor- belt of concessions that will be afforded to terrorists.
The media largely ignored the realities of the agreement, such as Cabinet posts for terrorists, the early release of prisoners, no meaningful decommissioning and the destruction of the RUC and the judicial system. Ironically it is now the Financial Times, hardly the most Unionist of publica- tions, that is highlighting the likelihood of a government retraction of its pre-referen- dum pledges. The Newsletter is remarkably silent.
Little mention has also been made in the media of the repeal of the Act of Union and the Government of Ireland Act. The future of Northern Ireland is now in the hands of the Secretary of State who will determine if a vote for a united Ireland might be carried. This does not tally with your claim that 'the British connection is safe'.
Regrettably, as time unfolds, the asser- tion that 'the Unionists have won' will look increasingly dubious. Let's hope the media, particularly the pro-Unionist element that backed the deal, will have enough courage to recognise the contribution it made to fooling the 'plain people' of Ulster.
Ian Moore
Lough Yoan, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Ulster
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