NI people must be allowed to vote on divisive issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion

FIONOLA Meredith (Comment, October 26) is, as usual, selective in her argument about the divergence of Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom. She makes the usual arguments to suit her own, narrow agenda, listing the differences in Northern Ireland from other parts of the kingdom.

What she and others never mention is that Scotland, since the Act of Union, has had a separate law system. Neither does she mention that, since devolution, the four constituent parts diverge in numerous ways.

Fionola argues as if everywhere in the United Kingdom, except Northern Ireland, is one big, homogeneous society and, therefore, Northern Ireland must fall into line on any matter which she chooses to support. Does she think those in Yorkshire think the same as those in Scotland or Wales?

Fionola and others claim that they know the minds of the people here when it comes to divisive questions like marriage and, more particularly, abortion.

Yes, a large body of opinion, perhaps even a majority, might support legislative change, but an equally large body opposes such change. It is not for politicians from across the water to dictate a change in devolved law here.

The paradox is that what divides us here also unites. There is division across Northern Irish society on both questions and people who are vehemently opposed on other matters find themselves on these questions as allies.

When do we ever see that level of agreement across society on anything? We think differently here — whether the liberal elite wish to admit it or not — and such matters should not be governed by who can shout the loudest.

So, when commentators demonise the DUP for their stance on these particular questions remember that, on these, they may be speaking for a much wider body of opinion than just their electoral base.

I realise it is argued that referenda undermine parliamentary democracy, but surely there is a case for these issues to be settled by referenda so we can get back to proper governance?

RAYMOND HUGHES Ballyclare, Co Antrim