Clinton puzzle

IT is pleasing for Republican and Unionist politicians in Ulster, as well as for members of the UK and Irish governments, that further progress has been made towards a devolved administration (your report, 6 February).

The only way it was ever going to work was by agreement between the two "front-line" parties (DUP and Sinn Fein); both would have resented and rejected any proposals that the UK and Irish governments tried to impose.

This makes Hillary Clinton's presence all the more puzzling. It seems that the US just can't help poking its nose into everything and anything. Then they wonder why it sometimes gets punched.

BARRY LEES

Denholm Street

Greenock