The Irish angle

SIR – Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, has awarded Ireland a veto over Britain’s further Brexit negotiations. This comes as belated thanks to the Irish for their vote to remain in the EU in their compulsory second referendum after their initial choice to leave. It is a slap in the face for the Prime Minister.

For heaven’s sake, can she not walk away, start trade talks with other countries immediately and regain the trust of the British people? J M Davies

Bournemouth, Dorset

SIR – Ireland, with 4.7 million people, is trying to force the United Kingdom, with 64 million, to leave Northern Ireland behind in the EU when it goes.

It would make more sense if Ireland left the EU along with the UK, as most of its trade is with us and not the EU. This would solve the border question and move Brexit negotiations along. Harry Fuchs

Flecknoe, Warwickshire

SIR – The Irish government is not attempting to gain a united Ireland by stealth. The rundown economy of Northern Ireland would be a burden on a thriving economy.

The issue is not milk products, pork or racehorse movements but how to thwart the ambition of Sinn Fein (which has done well in elections in Ireland recently) to become the government of a united Ireland by exploiting age-old divisions. Sadly, this issue could lead to a no-deal Brexit. Geoffrey Coady

Rochdale, Lancashire

SIR – Why would we create a hard border? It would not benefit us. Even a Remainer like me can see that. Michael Heaton

Warminster, Wiltshire