Let’s have a conversation. No, not about a united Ireland, which just involves nationalists talking to each other. Let’s have a conversation which involves everybody about one of our most pressing problems – Lough Neagh.

The largest fresh-water body in Britain and Ireland has been dying a slow death for decades. It is covered in toxic, blue-green algae, which are a threat to human and animal health and which represent a disaster for industry, tourism and a host of outdoor activities. It is also the source of drinking water for nine regional towns and most of Belfast.

Agriculture minister, Andrew Muir, brought a report on the problem to the Stormont executive, but they refused to discuss it until this week. Sinn Féin and the DUP will talk all day about constitutional matters, but they remain silent on a key issue for our social and economic wellbeing.

• Patrick Murphy: Welcome to New Labour and its New English vocabularyOpens in new window
• Patrick Murphy: The more things change, the more they stay the sameOpens in new window
• Patrick Murphy: Ireland’s future appears more important than Ireland’s presentOpens in new window

So what’s the problem with Lough Neagh? Although no official figures have been issued, it appears that the lough’s pollution is caused mainly by agriculture, with additional contamination from domestic........

© The Irish News