Lives will be lost if this UK vaccine row is not solved

IT IS difficult to imagine a more difficult and delicate situation arising than what appears to be happening between the EU and the UK.

Both have emerged from acrimonious and bruising negotiations bearing wounds which needed years of delicate diplomacy to heal. They emerge, however, in one of the most worrying periods of human existence. The world is fighting an horrendous pandemic where co-operation and sharing are so necessary to preserve life and prevent irreparable damage to economies which teeter on the verge of collapse.

Yet the EU and Britain appear destined for bitter hostilities regarding share-out of a precious vaccine which is so necessary in prevention of death and urgent commercial action to shore up economies for both.

It appears, however, neither has an option other than outright conflict with the other as whoever concedes will face enormous guilt, backlash and probable electoral extremism. Each is duty bound to fight tooth and nail for its own citizens whose needs can be satisfied only by deprivation and injury to citizens of the other.

The only hope of an amenable outcome would be for all vaccine suppliers to satisfy deliveries which satisfy both needs. Yet if this were possible it is unthinkable that matters would have been allowed deteriorate as they have. It must be hoped that the necessary supplies will come. Otherwise many will die, economies will deteriorate and bitter international wounds will be opened with ramifications for generations to come.

We can only watch and pray for an acceptable outcome

PADRAIC NEARY, Tubbercurry.