I don't know if it would pass in this country. I'd be okay with a different flag and a different anthem but the massive economic subsidy would be a problem, as would joining the Commonwealth.I'm not sure the DUP will be paying that much attention to a remark from a foreign politician, probably too busy ripping themselves asunder over the next few weeks.
Numbers don't lie, a unity referendum would lose in Northern Ireland and the proper debate on a unified taxation model and symbols has not really even begun down south and once it does, support for unity will slip. It would still pass but be closer then people think
And for those in the North, what would it mean for day to day things... medical care, NHS, Sainsburys etcI don't know if it would pass in this country. I'd be okay with a different flag and a different anthem but the massive economic subsidy would be a problem, as would joining the Commonwealth.
The irony is that if people really do want a united Ireland then the Shinners are the last party they should vote for as the Unionists will never agree to join a country led by the people who used to murder them.
Mary Lou's comments were aimed firmly at voters in this country with an eye to the upcoming election.
And for those in the North, what would it mean for day to day things... medical care, NHS, Sainsburys etc
People working in the North 'near shore' to service London.
How many people are willing to risk things like that that for a flag and an anthem?
By any metric our education system is vastly better than their and has been for decades.A few years ago I would have said no-one in their right minds in NI would give up their education and health systems for ours but I think that has changed. The NHS there is really struggling and they are beginning to lose Consultants to the HSE where the new contract is now comparatively better. For all the issues we have in the Oireachtas, our governments have been relatively cohesive and functional, c.f Stormont and Westminster. The gap is widening and the soft centre/alliance voters may be persuaded for economic and practical reasons.
Do they really have a huge opportunity economically? I know that they should have but their shoddy education system, their racism and xenophobia, their tribalism and their bigotry all suggest to me that there's no real prospect of them thriving as long as their politics is dominated by child killers and god bothering bigots, all trapped in a hatred filled zero sum game.Well the DUP are in the eye of a storm as they grapple with a 'win' (Donaldson & co) and a 'surrender' (Jamie Bryson and Jim McAllister) as they all overlook the huge opportunity that Northern Ireland has economically. Grasping that would delay any united Ireland.
I don't understand that point. Are you saying that unity is less likely with a SF government? If so I agree.Well pardoxically if SF deliver on economy - unity is pushed out.
If SF fail unity is brought forward but they are unelectable north and south.
Nobody will ever make a success of the Northern Irish economy. It's not possible.If a success is made of NI economy. Screw it up and they would be viewed as incapable on execution but great on rhetoric. Unionists are good at execution on limited aspects.
Well they used to be good at creating smoke, and fire and explosions, but I'm not too sure if they ever spent much time looking in the mirror.The cynic in me thinks the SF statements on a border poll are a distraction whilst they either make the tough decisions that they need to make or chicken out and blame the DUP/Tories/Brits/800 years etc etc. Smoke and mirrors, don't look over there, look at my nice shiny unity bauble
Offloading The North will cost Britain a king's ransom, but one I think they'd gladly pay. We should drive a really hard bargain.From an economic perspective we'd be out of our minds to take responsibility for them without very substantial long term financial support from their current masters.
Yea, the cost of running the entire thing for the next 40 years, all pensions for all current residents and another €20 billion a year disturbance money, index linked, for the next 50 years.Offloading The North will cost Britain a king's ransom, but one I think they'd gladly pay. We should drive a really hard bargain.
Feeling cynical today?In the 21st century I don’t get this United Ireland caper. United Ireland or not I’ll still be shovelling the proverbial while the chosen few will be lavishing in riches. What’s in it for me? Or indeed the plastic Paddy Celtic jersey wearing brigade?