Sir, – Margaret Lee ( January 27th) points out that Michelle O'Neill was appointed the leader of Sinn Féin in the six counties without a democratic election. This is in contrast to whom? James Brokenshire, who could become the overall leader of the region in the event of a failure to find agreement in Stormont, was elected by the good people of Old Bexley and Sidcup, who may or may not be able to pick out Ireland on a map.
Another of the main players, or at least should be a main player, in the six counties is Charlie Flanagan. Mr Flanagan was appointed by his party leader to the role.
Arlene Foster is still the First Minister, yet the DUP, since its inception, has never had a contested leadership election.
Sinn Féin is a 32-county party. I assume it makes its internal appointments the same way other parties do – at the discretion of the elected leader, but bearing in mind the opinions of other senior people in the party. – Yours, etc,
JOHN TEMPLE,
Dromiskin, Co Louth.