Letter: Grown-up politics
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE PRIME Minister's current solution for the political situation in Northern Ireland is "inclusive politics", a system where the participation of all political parties in government is mandatory ("Hope on the brink of ruin", 18 July). Presumably the much-rumoured upcoming reshuffle will see Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, among others, conscripted into the ranks of the Government. If not, are we to believe that grown- up politics is the preserve of the English, with the Celtic fringe relegated to make-believe devolved government? If the performance of our elected representatives at Stormont and in the media over the past week is any guide, it is hard to imagine that co-operation between the members of a power-sharing government will endure long. Will devolved government, like the peace process, become stalled?
I would suggest to Mr Blair a different form of inclusive politics. Why does the Labour Party not put forward candidates in Northern Ireland constituencies in the next election? Until we can play a full part in UK politics, every election here becomes another referendum on participation.
MICHAEL WATTS
Kircubbin, Co Down
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments