A letter to the editor has criticized Northern Ireland's political representatives for engaging in what it calls culture wars at the expense of pressing public services.

The letter highlights the Drumcree Orange Order parade dispute and vandalism of dual-language street signs as examples of cultural identity conflicts showing minimal tolerance.

It points to a policy in Belfast, where the city council is controlled by Sinn Féin, that allows dual-language English and Irish street signs to be erected if only 15 percent of residents approve, even if a majority oppose it.

The writer suggests that if a similar threshold were applied to Orange Order parades, they would be allowed to proceed, saving money by eliminating the need for a parades commission.

The letter states that Sinn Féin and DUP MLAs are more interested in cultural distractions than in addressing real issues.

Those real issues, according to the letter, include a broken health system, potholed road infrastructure, crumbling school buildings, environmental problems in Lough Neagh, and a public sector pay deficit.

The author argues that cultural issues cost millions of pounds and that representatives should set them aside until the region can afford to resolve them.

The letter calls on MLAs to take responsibility for running Northern Ireland instead of complaining to Westminster about insufficient funds.