The DUP should withdraw support for Brexit and lead the way in new negotiations with the EU

As with Peter Robinson, Ed Curran (Belfast Telegraph, August 6) opts to treat the symptoms rather than the underlying root causes, of which the most immediate is Brexit because it has made a border poll more likely.

The best way to forestall an Irish border poll is to put the Brexit genie back in the bottle.

It can be constructively argued that Arlene Foster and the DUP should withdraw their support for Brexit for the duration of this Parliament.

Firstly, there is a constructive case to be made that all sides need to step back from the cliff edge that is a no-deal Brexit. What we need now is breathing space for cool heads to steer the ship of state into calmer waters while we reflect on what must be done.

Secondly, the debate initiated by Peter Robinson on an Irish border poll has arguably made the case that a simple majority of 50% plus one should not be sufficient for a referendum on a major constitutional issue.

Thirdly, and perhaps of far more importance, the DUP could argue that the underlying conditions that led to the Brexit vote have changed, and that this warrants one final effort to negotiate reform of the European Union before we leave. The DUP could intercede directly in these negotiations to address concerns raised during the referendum.

Lastly, financial media have reported that businesses in the UK have been withholding investment due to uncertainty over Brexit.

To date the DUP have largely been bystanders in Brexit negotiations, even though they disproportionately affect Northern Ireland.

They need to take a more active role, in my opinion.

BERNARD J MULHOLLAND Belfast