DUP and SF the core of problem

IF Prince Philip had died of his recent illness, or if he, or the Queen, dies during lockdown, would restrictions be ignored, or relaxed, to facilitate a state funeral and public expression of respect?

Would Northern Ireland unionist politicians insist that, whatever the restrictions, they be enforced by the police?

If they were not enforced, would Arlene Foster, the DUP and other unionists demand the resignation of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the Prime Minister?

If another prominent republican dies during lockdown, would there be another Sinn Fein showcase funeral?

In the case of last year’s Sinn Fein funeral, the PSNI had the choice of risking a Hong Kong or Myanmar-style confrontation, or of identifying law-breakers and recommending that they be prosecuted.

They chose the latter course, which seems reasonable and civilised.

The PPS’ opinion that there was no reasonable chance of securing convictions is not an indictment of the PSNI: it is an indictment of the legal system, a possibly confused law, the political system and the political situation.

Do the people of Northern Ireland have any confidence in Arlene Foster, Michelle O’neill, the DUP, or Sinn Fein?

Those are the ones who should consider their positions, resign, or be judged by the people at the next election.

Do enough people eligible to vote have the vision, the integrity, and determination to eradicate the Orange and Green viruses that infest and debilitate the people of Northern Ireland?

Neither of those viruses would exist without the other. They thrive on each other. There is no vaccine, or herd immunity, against one or the other.

There can be no new normality until both have been eradicated. Northern Ireland-style “normality” is not an option.

DENNIS GOLDEN Strabane, Co Tyrone