The Prior approach
Sir: At first sight the appointment of Jim Prior to the post of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland looks like a good joke played by Mrs Thatcher at the expense of Messrs Paisley, Hume, Carron et al. The politicians of Northern Ireland (with a few notable exceptions like Harold McCusker) are, by and large, absurd and devious men who have failed to give any honourable leadership, failed to make any serious attempt to reach agreement amongst themselves and indeed usually refuse to participate in any political processes except on their own extreme terms: they richly deserve a British Minister who has publicly displayed a complete lack of interest or enthusiasm for the job both before and after his appointment.
On further reflection however, it appears that Prior's move to Northern Ireland could not have come at a worse time for the ordinary decent law-abiding citizens of the province (the perennial losers). As the H-Block hunger strike falters and the evil of the men behind it is at last widely recognised, it is of paramount importance for the defeat of the IRA that there exists complete trust and confidence between the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State. The circumstances of the Cabinet reshuffle lead one to the conclusion that trust and confidence will no loner prevail.
As always the qualities demanded of a Northern Ireland Secretary are courage to stand up to bullies, astuteness in dealings with the crafty and cunning, and above all determination not to capitulate to terrorists or their political and religious collaborators: qualities so admirably displayed by Roy Mason. What is not required is Mr Prior's brand of political flabbiness.
A. T. L. Murray 162a Finchley Road, London NW3
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