Fintan O'Toole: Brexit: Ireland and the English Question

[@derekphilips6781]

Excellent. I am a Scot living in a Brexit area in England. The English need an English Parliament similar to the Scotland. The people are not represented . Westminster does not deal with English social problems

[@monkeymox2544]

I'm not sure that an English parliament would solve all that much - the north / south divide would continue to be a problem, among other things. We abandoned the concept of England as a political unit 300 years ago, and I don't think there's much change of resurrecting it now, at least not in a way that's healthy. Regional assemblies are probably the way forward - although having said that, further fracturing the UK could be very dangerous (from my perspective, but I am a unionist).

[@barrygardiner5446]

Why don't have more journalists of this quality in the UK?

[@slacker2101]

Absurd position of DUP: they insist that NI law is different from UK law on abortion, same sex marriage and libel, but refuse to allow customs checks on goods from UK to NI and vice versa.

[@plumduff3303]

My friends died during the troubles I'm English so did so many Irish people these so called politicians are f....disgrace.

[@Ystadcop]

The finest, most carefully considered commentary and analysis of the Brexit situation that I have ever come across. So weird, being far more used to blustering oaf politicians combatting egocentric journalists.

[@SergioMoonbeam]

No wonder he won the Orwell prize for his coverage on Brexit.

[@MichaelFlynn0]

@mcr1jp as an aussie I apologize for that fuckwit Murdoch.

[@anthonyburke5677]

@Byzantine everyone is a shill when their opinion doesn't match yours!

[@TheMrSirCharles]

@@MichaelFlynn0 I think Fintan got that part quite well too.

[@ChuckChuckWood]

Byzantine a shill and nothing more? Did you even watch this? This is about as pragmatic as it gets. I reckon there’s no hope for Britain, we should boot you mouth-breathing morons out with no deal, then sit back and laugh as you drown....

[@christal2641]

Lovely man, he reminds me of Abraham Lincoln who had a plan for peace after the American Civil War: "charity towards all and malice towards none." The assassination of Lincoln prevented him from leading that process, and Reconstruction saw too much malice from some on both sides of the war. America has yet to have it's own "Truth and Reconciliation" process, and too many Southerners haven't forgiven Blacks for having ancestors who were slaves. That's been a driving force behind much of the vitriol in Washington. Maybe, once Brexit has run its course and Eire is united, the English will acknowledge the harm they did to Scotland, Eire, and the other colonies.

[@suchjoyambitionfinds]

Stunningly well done - great to see, by the way, an intelligent host who is informed and provocative but still allows the speaker to actually speak!

[@xtusvincit5230]

Northern Ireland is the last vestige of Empire. The Brits never belonged there. All the ages of their occupation have been a tale of injustice, abuse and inhumanity. The Brits would do well to just walk away and let Ireland to the Irish. The Unionists in N I can choose to behave as good Irish or return to their motherland across the Irish Sea.

[@generalmortars9490]

That was absolutely brilliant. And I'd also like to commend probably the best, most polite audience I've ever seen in one of these events.

[@harryrambler]

Bit dissapointed. I was expecting a final view and opinion from Paddy McGinty and his goat. Thought I would give a simular shit view of ignorant stereotypical racism.

[@encomunismo]

This man is absolutely brilliant.

[@paulbergin5903]

Loam Bart he is pal. grew up listening to this man on irish radio and tv,he's very clear and honest,in my opinion.

[@beastieboy3926]

He may be brilliant, but he is not without his own agenda.

[@davidedbrooke9324]

About the English reasserted themselves. It ok for other countries to love who they are?

[@taintabird23]

English nationalism is fairly incoherent at the moment, it is only clear what it is against. It is not clear what its 'for' just yet.

[@Maxplanar1]

Superb. O'Toole rises above every other commentator on the issue. Just brilliant.

[@philmorris7964]

I am Irish and lived in England for 22 years. Leaving in Dec 2018 but always thought it was very unfair that all other countries in UK had devolved administrations but England was ignored and let down in this respect.

You didn't notice how many mp's they had?

[@miguelsilva9118]

England dominates the Union.

[@hannahdyson5603]

To be honest I am from the North West of England and I don't want a English Paraliment . It would make matters worse for us , we would be crushed by all the descions going in the Home Counties favour . The Yorkshire party and North East party didn't do to bad in the last local elections especially amoung younger voters . What does that tell you ?

[@aine7173]

Your too long in England.

[@taintabird23]

I agree. I think each of England's regions should have an assembly.

[@Eire-hj1ct]

Support for united Ireland from Germany 🇮🇪

58:00 Nails it. What the fuck would the dog do if it caught the car. One factor he left out is the vote was during Euro 2016 and england were still in it. The weekend of the brexit vote they got kicked out of the football. If the vote had been held 1 week later than it was it would have been the reverse result if not a landslide for remain. That is not the way to decide any country's future.

[@ricoroometoo4697]

Great job fintan , love reading your work too

[@JonnM]

Wow!! There are only around 100 land border crossings between Canada and the US, a border of over 5,500 miles.

[@TheMrSirCharles]

Less than half the amount of border crossings between the ROI and NI.

[@johnhannay16]

A joy to find Fintan is as good a speaker as he is a writer. The best analysis of our Brexit quandary to date.

[@audreyoreilly4055]

I know!!!

[@anthonyburke5677]

@Byzantine repeating the same thing doesn't make it true!

[@TheMrSirCharles]

@Byzantine I think Fintan got that part quite well.

[@prophetsnake]

@Byzantine Nope, he's spot on. I've been in and out of Britain working there for 35 years. What they say, write and believe about Europe and their place in the world is precisely as he states, though he rather graciously leaves out the rampant racism.

[@PerfidiousPuffin]

Its awful analysis. He's wrong on every point, super super wrong. But the mainstream media metropolitans eat this crap up.

[@michaelmclaughlin2039]

Why do people speak about an Irish border? There is no such thing as an Irish border. There is a British border, imposed on Ireland in 1921, and which has never been accepted by the Irish people.I The British border in Ireland institutionalized sectarianism in our country, which led to one of the most vicious conflicts post WW2. Ireland just wants to live in peace. The toxic legacy of British colonialism still reverberates, just as it does in the Middle-East, India and across African continent.

[@TheMiccamuk]

like the irish border guards dressed in german uniforms and swastikas all over ireland during ww2? and of the irish soldiers who fought with british units against hitler returning home to be met with derision? shame on you, ireland

[@bim-ska-la-bim4433]

Thank you - after 3+ years of following the soap opera, I understand Brexit more, better, insert-word-here...well done

[@gehdbdnsidhdhd765]

Mr Gwarn Stylee You understand it better from a remainer point of view, who were the losers of this referendum and who still can’t get over that fact. I recommend reading some pieces from the leave campaign who represent what the British people want and what they voted for.

[@MrDragon1968]

Speaking as an English person: can we have Fintan O'Toole come and advise us more please. Ta. That was superb.

[@brucelee5]

As an Irish person can we have the clown sacked,what an absolute muppet, although if you are an extreme left wing,love abortion,gay twisted marriage, euthanasia,multiculturism, diversity,hatred of anything Christian and hatred of the Irish people and it's culture,yeah let's have this Communist clown indoctrinate us "illiterate" fools. This person should be put out with retired race horses... and that is being kind to him.

[@taintabird23]

As an Irish person, stop assuming to represent the rest of us.

[@lfcgero35]

@@brucelee5 you talk utter shite pal. I doubt if you even irish with that attitude and opinion. But just on the off chance you are irish you should crawl back to the hole you crept out of with your racist , homophobic views talking about christainity like the irish give a fuck about relegion anymore. Ireland is a secular country now were the catholic church has no power anymore but if you were irish you would know this already. You live in the 1700s pal , why dont you go up to the unionists up the north they would have no problem with your backward views and racist bigoted opinions. You are in a small minority as the gay marriage referendum proved and the abortion referendum. You will be left behind as ireland moves forward intolerance and hatred towards others is not wanted in ireland anymore we had enough of that with the troubles. You should wake up to reality before its too late.

[@gloin10]

@@brucelee5 Objectively, if you are actually Irish, you are part of a tiny minority which has been hiding under a rock for the last 40 years. Or which emigrated to the USA or the UK in the early 1970s... However, anyone who characterises Fintan O'Toole as either Communist or "...extreme left wing..." is simply NOT connected to reality. Anyone, Irish or not, who can claim that Fintan O'Toole has "...hatred of anything Christian and hatred of the Irish people and it's culture..." is simply insane. You are just another Brixiteer pretending to be Irish, basically.

[@naimulhaq9626]

If I were O'Toole I would advise give up N. Ireland.

[@waikanaebeach]

It's surprising that 80% of conservatives and people voted brexit would forgo the NI peace agreement for brexit. How arrogant, they would put a community that has suffered untold violence and harm at risk again. The selfishness knows no bounds.

[@mjomalley]

Thanks Mr.O'Toole. As usual you give me hope by making sense out of what seems on the surface to be a spreading insanity...

[@unfixablegop]

One straight hour of common sense.

[@Anon-xd3cf]

A bloody rare thing these days.

[@johnnywhite58]

he's an excellent columnist for the Irish Times and has got abuse from our moronocrasy largely people who vote Fianna Fail who bankrupted the country twice . oh yes we have our twats aswell!

[@nnipy]

Anti British Paddy who only wants his cake { Northern Ireland } and eat it .

[@anthonyburke5677]

@@nnipy let me guess! A uneducated english xenaplobic unicorn believer!

[@TheMrSirCharles]

@@nnipy Not sure whether Fintan would actually want this specific cake.

[@XLseattle]

And the Nissan plant did close to the loss of 3000 jobs in a pro-Bretix Sunderland.

[@TheShepTV]

Fintan, you're deadly. You make my Irish Times sub a joy to pay

[@fe5018]

Think he may be luring back to mine too.

[@thomasbonner8464]

O’ Toole is, as more often than not, bang on the money.

[@rufanuf1]

lol if you say so

[@MidnightRambler]

Nope,just another pro eu irish suite..

[@ultramutt8278]

According to Wiki, in 2011 he was named by The Observer as one of "Britain's top 300 intellectuals". Whatever nationality he claims to have, I heard nothing here to support that claim. Merely a repeat of some clichéd false generalisations we´ve had more than enough of since June 2016.

[@thomasbonner8464]

Not too fond of the underlying racist tone there. What has his irishness got to do with it? Just go the whole hog and call him a paddy.. you know you want to. Go ahead.. I know you lot just can’t help yourselves.

[@ChuckChuckWood]

Ultramutt That’s the Dunning-Kruger effect, it allows mouth-breathers like you to think your opinion matters, that it’s valid and is not complete and total horseshit. Anyways good luck on next years list FFS

[@johnkennedy3403]

A great summary of the issues for those outside Ireland and the UK. Thank you very much Fintan!

[@caoimhexx1]

A great summary for British people too. Don’t know shit about their history.

[@senorgammon6161]

Yes your right there British people don't know shit about their history unlike the high horse Irish who know everything about England an it's society.

[@senorgammon6161]

This guy is talking shit about empire, the only people I've heard mention empire are Irish people and middle class m25 centrics. Brexit was because of decades of deindustrialsation and austerity and uncontrolled mass immigration which in a capitalist society where financial accommodations aren't made leads to social pressures. But yes middle class Irish people know all about working class England.

[@leehallam9365]

It was a summary of an Irish perspective, not a British one.

[@ChuckChuckWood]

senor gammon Britain’s an embarrassment... Obsessed with their outdated, irrelevant class system nonsense, and haven’t even realised that the only people fucking over the British “working class” are the British upper class, the way it’s always been - But, thanks to 30 years of a deluded, misleading and manipulative press all of a sudden Boris Johnson and Jacob Reese-Mogg are the champions of the working classes! Yeah, once you shake off that oppressive EU, everything will be great, money and doughnuts for everyone.. Jesus, read a book or something...

[@kevinoreilly4169]

Good Analysis By Fintan

[@sethbrown1763]

Thank you, Mr O'Toole, for your very clear and patient explanation of Brexit from the Irish perspective. Very enlightening.

[@UrbanMouse]

The rational thoughtful Fintan O'Toole on form as usual

[@leonardniamh]

Hasn't been a journalist for decades

[@thumbprint7150]

Thank you, very interesting. Glad to hear his comments on the influence of the insidious Murdoch press.

[@sailinglegend4092]

Gosh what a surprise an Irishman blaming Brexit on the English, couldn’t see that one coming. Firstly he forgets that Wales voted for Brexit. This chap is so patronising it is unreal. Brexit came about because the Demi Gods in Europe were not listening to the people of Europe. He can bleat on about England but it could have been Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Greece etc. By very small margins the dissolution of the EU. He is just unreal the more he talked the more he patronised. The people of Britain want the single market what they don’t want is a European super state. The one thing that can be said is the likes of Ireland can say is that they are have disproportionate power because they were nothing before the EU but can have as much say as the UK. Ireland has fudged the rules for their own benefit, the likes of giving multinational companies illegal tax benefits that help Ireland but disadvantages Europe as a whole. This chap is so far up his and Ireland’s arse it is unreal.

[@taintabird23]

@ Sailing Legend What an example of ignorance your post is. A fine tribute to Brexit all by itself. The Welsh are highly influenced by the English, have a less well developed sense of nationalism and are more strongly exposed to English media than the Scots are, for example. It is no accident that the Welsh voted to leave, but there are only 3 million of them, dwarfed by the English electorate. It is interesting that 87% of Welsh speakers voted to remain - the highest demographic in favour of remaining anywhere. Brexit is an English crisis of identity - own your own clusterf*ck. Your claim that Brexit came about because of the EU is utter nonsense. The UK was never committed to the EU. The UK won the war and lost an empire in the process, and was soon surpassed by Germany as the economic power house of Europe. The underlying resentment was compounded by the sense that you got no thanks from other Europeans for liberating Europe in 1945, and instead were treated as an equal instead of an exceptional member in the bloc. Brexit is the politics of self-pity. If the people of the UK want the single market then the question has to be asked - why are you leaving it? Brexiters promised that you would not leave the single market before the referendum, but they lied. Why are you tolerating this? Ireland is an equal member of the EU and has power because it is backed by the bloc. Get used to it, its your future now. Ireland has closed loopholes that multi-nationals were using to avoid tax. Glad you find O'Toole patronising and that is irritates, but he is addressing an American audience and not a British one. This is how the whole of Europe and beyond is discussing the UK and the English now. Don't worry, you will grow more accustomed to being patronised in the years ahead.

[@ikm64]

A masterclass on Brexit, now if you can only get all UK citizens to watch it before it's too late. Sadly I think it is ( too late ). but I live in hope.

[@dimejinky99]

Hammer 001 stop. You’re hilarious.

[@georgedoorley5628]

@Hammer 001 irish firm has been contacted to oversee the removal of the nissan car plant to a site in mainland eu .....tba , if nodeal brexit happens !

[@davejohnson4783]

Not Quite LOL

[@mcmcpoi-ra7405]

@stephen morris Caps lock makes people take you less seriously, not more seriously, just so you know.

[@beastieboy3926]

you are right .It is too late,we are leaving the EU,

[@josepholeary3286]

"It faked it's own death" -- Fintan is brilliant as usual.

[@willslingwood]

Fintan your suit is lovely, really nice outfit. Had to be said.

[@annchristine47]

What a fantastically informed,intelligent discussion.Thankyou Mr O'Toole.Living in America,Ispeak with family throughout Britain every other day so I know the disaster that Brexit has become .

[@JuanKuzov]

it has not become anything yet liar

[@denisdaly1708]

@@JuanKuzov so angry.

[@raymonddavies6381]

you must listen to people with their own predjucies. get real, we just want to be a sovereign nation. That is simple to understand surely?

[@BFChampions]

He's a great orator, fair play.

[@PaulGappyNorris]

stephen morris - Nigel Farage would, and has always, blustered his way through any debate when faced with facts and evidence. He is a great orator but equally he is a political buffoon with a linear view on the Brexit conundrum, and zero understanding of how to run a country - much like the majority squatting in Westminster.

[@jameskirk4106]

We never ever voted to join the EU we voted to join the Common Market John Major took us into the EU without a vote. Mr. O'Toole is either misinformed or a liar. I like to think he is misinformed.

[@nedkelly9645]

Very interesting, regard the Englishness though, surely that comes from giving NI, Wales and Scotland their own 'Parliaments' and allowing those nations to still have a say on english only matters?

[@belshade37]

Sorry, Mr O'Toole, you have little idea of why we voted Brexit. I live in the South East of England, and am not a "little Englander". However we have sustained a relatively successful economy and a very generous welfare system. We have sucked in vast numbers of people, looking for jobs and a better life, and who can blame them? Even with a low wage job the benefits for a European citizen working in the UK include housing, tax credits and child benefits going back to their home country. The result is roads that are now so clogged our main artery literally closes every week due to overload and accidents. Our hospitals and clinics have massive waiting lists. People cannot get their children into local schools but have to send them many miles away. Our green fields are being carpetted over with endless houses. We are a SMALL ISLAND, we do not have room to expand. The status quo is unsustainable for any quality of life (which depends on a lot more than the economy). I have no interest in our history, I am looking at current quality of life, and see no alternative but to limit the inflow. Not possible as long as we are in the EU.

[@nautilusshell4969]

To swimmad456 and R Wallace, I've listened to the whole of this interview and I don't understand what your problem with it acutally is. Fintan O'Toole gives a completely reasoned overview of the whole process with no 'sneering' whatsoever. Also, referendums are a way of life in Ireland, as Mr O'Toole outlined. I think you probably need to listen to it again to understand what he's saying.

[@mickietinker7722]

Are the Irish referendums ALWAYS acted upon? Or do you have as many as it takes to come up with the answer your govt/EU want. If it's the first, then you will understand why Leave voters are so angry that OUR vote has been ignored, if it's the latter it's a farce, why on earth would the Irish even bother voting in the first place?

[@simonkennedy9144]

What a super bloke more sense then the Parliament can put together In a lifetime good lad

[@dimitrisgikas8039]

Absolutely remarkable!

[@robertdavies630]

Disingenuous, and too one sided with no challenge. There is already a border between NI and ROI for regulation and tax. Custom and regulatory checks between Liverpool and NI seen as acceptable, but backs EU dismissal of similar factory checks between NI and ROI. Majority of imports and exports to and from UK are not from EU and are not subject to negative border impact. Deliberately ignores long standing alignment between NI, ROI and UK to say only way to protect peace is for UK to do only what EU dictate. Irish border should be solved between NI, ROI and UK as part of the long term relationship - instead EU are using it as a blocker to even discuss the future.

[@TheSuperblaw]

An excellent analysis by Mr O'Toole. He is coherent, logical and concise. He conveys more information and facts than most politicians. His honesty is good to witness and once again contrasts with others who really should know better.

[@beastieboy3926]

you should get out more

[@denisdaly1708]

@@beastieboy3926 as a social psychologist, I have to say that he knows his stuff and is insightful.

[@davidburgess3579]

Typical Little Englanders in the comments. Refer to the EU like it's an Empire when it's a loose Union, moan about EVEL when England has a 4/5th majority in the commons, Londoners not English when immigrants were banned from voting in the referendum (in contrast to English immigrants being able to vote in Scotland in 2014). This is the mindset we're dealing with. Our problem is we're so used to missing empire we don't even know we miss it, hence the denial. United States of Europe? Better than being the 51st State and getting our NHS sued by the US behind closed doors!

[@Noosejunkie]

Best talk I’ve ever heard on Brexit.

[@brucemcnair8887]

This chap is an Irishman purporting to know what the English think. That could never be. This man is a golden-tongued bigoted and insular islander. Clearly descended from that mass of southern Irish who allied with Nazis.

[@anthonymurphyDroghedaRural]

@@brucemcnair8887 the truth hurts, hence your angry emotive response to his analysis.

[@MrArthurGiles]

I agree with much that has been said but the big problem is the EU. If the EU could become the non-political all-friends-trading-together that was promised as the Common Market was formed there would be no problem. Alternatively, if the ALL the EU elections were open so that the unelected top jobs disappeared then most if not all the problems would disappear too.

[@adamreilly5264]

How refreshing! A nation which produces rational, intelligent commentators and leaders. You guessed it; I'm from britain (deliberate small 'b').

[@bernardleeis]

Adam Reilly he’s from Dublin Ireland, not British!

[@dimejinky99]

Bernard Lee He was talking abut the fact that he was Irish. Jesus please try read and understand and slowly in your case

[@rapier1954]

@@bernardleeis HE knows, and your reading comprehension is appalling.

[@davidharrington1133]

Oh they are not all like him, trust me.

[@Badgerapple]

To have a second referendum on the same subject, before the first has been implemented, is profoundly undemocratic and would destroy faith in the parliamentary system.

[@corcaighrebel]

Finally after 800 years, the 'English Question' with Ireland via the EU holding the key card and the possibility of a united Ireland more, not less, likely. History rarely repeats but it does do irony.

[@smiggo1481]

Why can the Irish, Scottish and Welsh 'untwine' but the English cannot?

[@Jason-np4rl]

As an American largely ignorant of British history/politics, and trying to understand Brexit, I learned an incredible amount watching this video. Thank you!

[@seanmartinman7946]

If you are taken in by this anti British dummy then you really are ignorant of the Brexit saga, just imaging having the Germans and French making your laws, plundering your waters taking 2 thirds of you fish, sending penniless people into your country with uncontrolled immigration many of them career criminals, which you have to social house and feed while your own people wait years for social housing. We Brits are patriotic welcoming people but we are not being taken for a ride any longer. Ireland was poverty stricken till joining the EU and they are now poodles to the EU however its predicted Ireland will want out as their net contribution to the EU rises and they no longer are on the EU gravy train. They will then do as does the UK, pay in £billions get back a few millions, they will have to fund all the jobless homeless immigrants from European states, including millions of African and Middle East (Syrian Iranian and Iraqi ) illegal migrants held in camps in Italy and Greece that no EU countries want to take. Germany Sweden Austria etc took thousands who found they were raping and sexually assaulting the woman odf the host nations. Its not about O'Tools BS of prawn cocktails etc its about the Islamization of our country, the loss of sovereignty , the laws made by other nations and under a dictatorship. The USA wouldn't stand for this for a day. Thats why Brexit is happening, the EU are panicking as they will lose the £billions we pay in, the Irish are panicking because they will have to help make up the short fall by contributing more. BTW crime is also rapidly on the increase in Ireland.

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

Two sides to every story listen to the other side as well.

[@alysonmcvitty7864]

dear fintan a Q - didn't sarkozy rubbish one of your referendums and tell the irish go back and vote yes? wasn't it for maastricht? didn't the the greek pm (the one before tsipiras) say he'd go back and hold a referendum and he was told you can't do that. did the EU ask the people of europe whether they agreed to destroy yugoslavia ? provoke russia to a dangerous degree? Libya? syria? afghqanistan? Doesn't ireland allow us military planes to land in shannon. ................ and ireland is neutral? the irish can't even survive a hot summer without water shortages! and it rains and rains and there's only a small pop.

[@stephencarrington8553]

Truly excellent and balanced explanation. Congratulations Fintan

[@gehdbdnsidhdhd765]

Stephen Carrington This was about as “Balanced” as a lone fat-man on a see-saw. All from a remainders point of view and a pretend knowledge of why Britain left the EU.

[@marcelokristian6591]

This guy is simply brilliant, very acurate view of BREXIT

[@gehdbdnsidhdhd765]

Marcelo Kristian Form a remainders point of view

[@Somersetman100]

He's good. Why couldn't have media exposed the sort of nonsense Johnson wrote. If one reads the comments on the Telegraph, one finds lots of people want him as Prime Minister. I despair.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

He, much like trump, made the working class think he is their buddy.

[@zapfanzapfan]

And now he is...

[@denisdaly1708]

@@baronvonlimbourgh1716 exactly.

[@GOGOLH]

The SNP publish a 900-page prospectus for an independent Scotland. The Tory government seems to have had no plan for a post-Brexit UK, with Ireland not even an afterthought.

[@dennisklomp2361]

Ill never forget the pure astonishment and fear on the face of boris johnson when the referendum counts came in. My god, how despair and greed can make people do stupid things

[@NPC-st7zv]

Peppa pigs boyfriend thought he was a nailed on winner.

[@Mike7O7O]

Ireland not even an after thought, neatly sums up their place in the world.

[@TheMrSirCharles]

@@Mike7O7O Britain gets a good amount of food from us. www.rte.ie/news/business/2017/0913/904427-irish-exports-to-uk/ Ireland is world's foremost top in terms of food security www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2017-food-security/ We're feeding at least five times as many people as are living here.

[@ChuckChuckWood]

M W Oh someone’s cranky! Keep that talk up and we won’t let you have Brexit, okay? Go over there and eat your tin of sardines or whatever’s considered a treat in England these days...

[@SuperBeverboy]

English nationalism ? Think Wales voted to leave & 44 % of Northern Ireland & 38% of Scotland. Much more of a class issue. Those that do well from the EU & those that do otherwise

[@TheMrSirCharles]

That makes a stunning 82% if you add them together... I can't wait seeing Boris Johnson putting £438m a week into the health service.

[@stephenconway2468]

Great insight.

[@easterboc1]

The Irish have invested so much in the European project and it needs to be respected and protected. Another disaster , spawned in England, for the Irish people. When will this ever end. England, you have been sold a pup. Wake up.

[@chairmakerPete]

Smug journalist seeking to explain why the English (and Welsh) voted to leave the EU. Fails to understand it because it's beyond his ken. Better to say nothing and be suspected a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

[@IR240474]

No one has any views? What? I have one, sit on top of the Hell Fire Club on a good day and you can see a great VIEW of Dublin.

[@adamwelch1528]

Best view of Dublin is from the top of the Viking museum

The Blue Light boys, do yourselves a favour.

[@bikeman9899]

Fintan is an excellent chronicler of really one of the most important developments in modern European history.

[@nikoladd]

Great analysis on the English nationalism effect! Spot on!

[@christopherkealy730]

Typical irish boy having à go at the english. How many inhabitants of NI would really vote to join Eire if Eire is in thé Euro ? How many inhabitants of Eire would want à bad northern lodger inside théir 32-county paradise.

[@jamesdolan4042]

@@christopherkealy730That is an extremely condescending comment. In my opinion it was the extroardinary growth of the Irish economy in the 1990's together with the new openness in society that was a major defining factor in declining IRA militarism and the emergent of moderate Uninionism the led to the Belfast Agreement in 1998.

[@kgalal2]

the best explanation of Brexit I ever watched, discussing all the issues in plain english and without the usual media/political bias

[@guitounours]

Brilliant mind... and funny on top of it!

[@joewright2679]

IRELAND NEEDS TO BE 1 GREAT COUNTRY!!!

[@jrton1366]

It's extremely strange Fintan chose to bring up Prawn Cocktail crisps as "a serious big deal" in the UK when discussing EU rules which people cited as a reason to leave, when the Lord Ashcroft Poll showed the Number 1 reason for leaving was a reduction in sovereignty driven by a lack of democracy. The number 2 reason was freedom of movement. Why did he choose to bring up Prawn Cocktail crisps, rather than the fundamental constitutional issues which the majority of people cited as their reasons for voting leave? It is almost as though Fintan is attempting to avoid discussing those constitutional issues which are causing momentous shifts across European Politics.

[@taintabird23]

The prawn cocktail was peddled in the media as an example of how people were being manipulated into believing they were suffering a loss of sovereignty. A full list of the rubbish peddled to the UK population about the EU has been collated by the EU: blogs.ec.europa.eu/ECintheUK/euromyths-a-z-index/

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

@@taintabird23 haha, that list is gold. Also very sad what the media did. But some of these things are funnny as hell.

[@melvynrutterreedbeds]

The English or British dislike our leaders being ridiculed by anyone, including the EU, even if we didn't vote for that party / person. Cameron looked for something he could sell to the UK people, and was given nothing. Seeing the French guy brushing past Cameron was insulting. Now of course we are all going to hell, according to Tusky Boy. I'm convinced many remainers would now vote to leave the EU, and wonder why it took us so long. The population of the UK have long fought for democracy, often standing alone. But stand alone we will. You awake the British Lion at your own risk

[@taintabird23]

Tusk was referring to those who promoted Brexit: JRM, Davis, IDS, Farage, Johnson etc. If you were convinced that many remainers have become leavers you would be clamoring for a second referendum in order to break the deadlock and finalise Brexit. When has the UK 'often' stood alone?

[@michaellowe7194]

With a few exceptions, why are all the most intelligent commentaries on this delivered with an Irish accent.? When you look at Simon Coventry, is the best we could come up with, with 20 times the population, really Boris Johnstone?

[@taintabird23]

As an Irishman, I appreciate your comment. I would like to suggest an answer to your question 'why are all the most intelligent commentaries on this delivered with an Irish accent?' In Ireland, our requirement to have a referendum every time we adopt a new EU treaty means that we are forced to pay attention to the EU. We know and understand the EU better than English people, who don't get it at all. It has the added benefit of leaving Irish people with a sense of ownership of our membership. Before we, the Irish, joined the EU in 1973, for the previous 50 years we are had the type of independence that the UK is now seeking. We know the limitations of going it alone in the world, its and outdated form of independence that belongs to the early 20th century and only okay if you like being poor. It is also somewhat of an illusion - as a small country will always have to give way to a bigger country in trade negotiations...in this case the EU will always dominate the UK. We are never completely free, independent or sovereign. In short, we know how deluded the aspirations of JRM, BoJo and IDS and others are. I wish you well.

[@victorcheck]

LOL ! I'm sure our Tanaiste, Simon Coveny, will forgive the that little 'typo' Auto-correct perhaps ?

[@paulbergin5903]

Taint ABird well said pal great comments made there.

[@fudgeweasel]

The sad thing is that there ARE politicians standing up and making the pragmatic speeches he talks about here - but UK 'democracy' is so broken that it doesn't matter. Theresa May and her Tories are committed to brexit, no matter how ruinous - as are the 'opposition', because Corbyn has never been a fan of the EU. Forcing a direction change would take more than just pragmatic thinking - it would take people listening to and trusting that thinking, and forcing May and Corbyn to act on it. That will never happen, however, because the pragmatism and good sense is coming from Plaid Cymru and the SNP, and the BBC and other media sources in the UK will never allow those voices to be anything other than "vile separatists" who want to destroy Brave England's glory. It is all too easy for May to simply ignore good sense from Nicola Sturgeon, ignore all evidence, and ignore reality, when she has no compelling reason to do otherwise. The people of the UK are helpless to force change, since Westminster assumes all sovereignty, and, essentially, May is the supreme ruler and sole arbiter of all decisions right now. And Arlene Foster of the DUP - a racist, bigotted, backwards zealot - is May's puppeteer. The people are stuck with whatever Arlene Foster tells May to do, unless someone in May's own party, who wants an even worse brexit than Foster does, overthrows her. It's insane. Scots, however, have their own sovereignty - and they have a way out if they choose to use it.

[@celticlofts]

Isn't it a bit ironical that the Prime Minister, who was a Remain supporter now has to deal with Brexit while Corbyn who is pro-brexit might end up keeping the UK in the EU if demands for a second referendum becomes part of Labours election campaign manifesto . That's how messed up this is.

[@gloin10]

@ "The sad thing is that there ARE politicians standing up and making the pragmatic speeches he talks about here..."? Can you name ONE in England, or Westminster? The reality, as you pointed out, "...is that there ARE politicians standing up and making the pragmatic speeches he talks about here...", but they are in Scotland and Wales. England, on all available evidence, has become the world's largest outdoor insane asylum....

[@jamiemartinwebb]

Yes its called democracy you know. It was a democratic decision made by the British people. It doesn't matter what the government thinks, they are there to serve the people and need to get on and make it happen..

[@BigHenFor]

@@jamiemartinwebb No; it's collective cognitive dissonance. Self-harm is not a sign of a sound collective consciousness. Especially self-harm that doesn't really identify or mitigate the causes of the country needing to feel better about itself.

[@TheMrSirCharles]

"My heart says leave. My mind tells me to remain." That's about the Brexit in a nutshell. And the heart has been filled with misinformation.

[@edcleasby1120]

I've waited a long time for such a clear and concise explanation of brexit and related issues. The pity is that it's had such limited coverage ... I'd even suggest it should be required listening delivered to all MP's and .... Nigel Farage. Such a change to hear someone actually says things clearly ... contrast it with the drivel that comes forth from the mouths of politicians.

[@kossfan]

It’s OK for the Scottish to be nationalistic and for the Welsh to be nationalistic and for the Irish to be nationalistic, but if the English are also found to be nationalistic, then it is some fault in their character and should be suppressed. As far as Brexit goes, I suppose it’s quite simple, some people want to be governed by a foreign power and some people don’t want to be governed by a foreign power. Fortunately those of us who don’t want to be governed by a foreign power won a democratic vote to remove ourselves from foreign EU governance

[@taintabird23]

Nobody in Europe is being governed by a foreign power. England has never been governed by a foreign power, so it is quite possible that you don't actually know what that looks lie. Or feels like.

[@williamkeenan3680]

spot on fintan

[@thomasdavid7364]

Good lord, I guess it's (slightly) better than average but this is just more metropolitan middle class yuppie condescension failing to explain Brexit and why people voted for it

[@taintabird23]

I think he explains it very well.

[@Em-wb4kf]

Such a clear explanation of the situation facing the UK in Brexit, and especially Ireland. Someone send this video to Theresa May!! And send it on to people you know who are wavering on this question.

[@perrin6]

Losing your identity feels you're dying. Mass immigration, European integration, the loss of British manufacturing excellence, these all produced a feeling that identity was being lost and a feeling of dying; this is what caused a yes vote for Brexit.

[@Blueridge39]

At last I have been allowed to hear an informed talk on Brexit with which I totally agree. I may have missed the point but what was missing was the fact that leaving the EU will mean the break up of the United Kingdom at some not too distant future date beginning with Scotland, then Wales and then Ireland reuniting then leaving the UK. It is time for Jeremy Corbyn to grasp the nettle and come out in favour of staying in the EU as Mr O'Toole advocates rather than waiting for May to follow that course. She doesn't have the balls for it.

[@tacobell6826]

I hope this situation never leads to a "United Ireland", a self-refuting concept on all fronts. Ireland has never been united; even the county system there was a British introduction. The NI is a political, economic and social millstone that no rational state would want. Once we get past the Yeatsian romance, I am certain that economic imperatives will dominate events. In which case, Ireland will obviously remain divided.

[@TheMrSirCharles]

I can't wait seeing Boris Johnson paying £438m a week into the health service. That would be a bargain for the access to a market of 500 Million customers. Yes. Take your country back. And then try to feed your own country by your own produce. At least, obesity should no more be an issue from then on. Good luck!

[@taintabird23]

Stating that Ireland cannot be united because it was never politically united before is a rubbish argument. Irish nationalism is no longer interested in the unification of the territory of Ireland, but instead works toward the unification of its people. The idea that no rational state would want NI is odd when you consider that the UK is happy to keep it. The problem with Brexit is that it changes the status quo we were all able to work with. It has the potential to undermine nationalist confidence in the GFA as the UK government, who are supposed to be neutral between the two communities, has taken sides with the DUP because it needs its support to stay in government. The DUP supports LEAVE, while NI voted to remain. Secondly, Brexit is likely to shift the economic argument for partition after the UK leaves as it will be NI that will loose out more than any other part of the UK. NI automatically returns to the EU should unity come to pass.

[@simongentry]

so here we are middle of february 2019 and no deal - what now? such incompetence. MPs resign from both tories and labour. and still the british PM holds onto the backstop while the EU negotiator has absolutely no confidence britain will leave the EU with a deal - hard to believe these people ever went to university or have ever had any kind of job outside of stocking shelves in tesco’s. sack the ministers, stay in the EU and let’s all have a pint to forget the entire affair. or coffee. 😉

[@foppo100]

Like any Nationalism it turns nasty.This happened in Germany pre war.It is sad how quickly a country can take a downturn with this kind of behaviour.Our politicians leadership is poor and divisive they are fighting like rats in a sack.Brexit is sad and it isn't getting any better.

[@Boreas74]

"set to become its only English-speaking member state" Malta is also English (and Maltese) speaking and both Ireland and Malta have worked to strengthen their relations with each other in the last few years.

Italian.

[@colinbaker3916]

Boreas74 He means exclusively English. For Ireland and Malta, Gaelic and Maltese are also recognised, eg you can get documents from the EU in those languages.

[@TheMrSirCharles]

Still it will be just enough to crack the 1% mark of "native" English speakers in the new EU.

[@MrGalvinjohn]

Sure Malta is only a wee island

[@michaeljohnseanpatrickturn9955]

Ar ndóigh, scriosfaidh Brexit an comhaontú maith Dé hAoine, ba chóir do Brits agus Prods Uladh a fhágáil.

[@jonathanlee2972]

An Englishman, Irishman, Scotsman & Welshman walk into a pub The Welshman bought the 1st round The Scotsman bought the 2nd The Irishman the 3rd The Englishman the 4th They had a great night & came in as friends , left as friends

The englishman went for a piss after the third pint and never came back.

[@zavi13]

Nice little story, nothing to do with reality or history though. It would in fact be more likely to go Englishman accompanied by fanatical Scotch protestant settler walk into Irish pub, intimidate the owner, demand the keys and having thrown the Irishman out on the street take the place over. The Welshman is meekly waiting in the street outside.

[@darraghbastick6911]

Yeh until the Englishman said "I'll have to charge you a tariff on that pint and have it inspected by customs" :P

[@darraghbastick6911]

(Just joshing ya), common sense tells us to leave the past where it belongs.. going to be a bumpy road ahead tho I think- while 90% of both sides are over it, it will be the 10% that fuxk shit up.. Australian proverb- laws are made for the 1% of idiots... I feel this strikes deep into the brexit debacle

[@caomh6168]

That's all a bit too boring though... **/

[@pax2902]

Wonderful presentation by Fintan O'Toole: informative, enlightening, insightful!

[@tiptreechoralsociety7358]

Amazing, wonderful to see such open-minded and comprehensive analysis

[@paulthomas8262]

I agree with Fintan, but disagree with the point that they suddenly saw themselves an English. The English Identity was not exclusive of Britishness or the Union, however now people are feeling more insecure, and some are getting to the point of wanting to abandon a union that seems to reject them or at least how they see themselves. There is a weird thing about being English, there was a taboo placed on this identity even within the union and this has been increasing. So people were placed into an identity crisis. So this is the phenomenon Fintan describes. We wrongly associate anglo-saxon with anglo-norman.This is mistake which throws a whole bunch of people under the bus. The dialect in the NE of England and Eastern Scotland is derived one of the earliest form of English. Take Geordie for example it has less Norman/French words in it and more Old English. This identity has very little to do with empire, if were are talking ordinary people. You can't really say that Jutes, Frisians, Saxons, Angles were any worse than any other group in Europe at the time. They settled in my the same way as the Geals did not just in Scotland., but to a lesser extent Wales and England. They had conflict with each other and otthers just like Geals and Bythantic tribes. Yes they were successful, but there was no empire, until the Normans came along (unless you could the Danelaw, what was another empire). England unified only for a limited period, interrupted by Danelaw, before the Normans arrived. But the identity has remained. The NE of England has more in common with Donegal Ireland than say London or Dublin. Both of Fishing and Farming areas, with a decline in industry and are badly neglected.

[@davandbre]

I stood and applauded at the TV as it finished, Fintan O'Toole summes up Brexit so eloquently.

[@TheMiccamuk]

you are truly deluded to the extent that you are not aware of being so.

[@Lillyoak1]

Excellent speaker and journalist

[@williamgillbanks4662]

What a load of bollocks, Crisps?, if only, the majority of Brits did not like the EU forcing things on them, new rules and regulations such as light bulbs that take 10 minutes to light up properly how many hours a lorry driver could work all kinds of regulations, we could not trade with other nations without permission etc etc etc.

[@TheMrSirCharles]

Well. The Brits might not be able to produce proper light bulbs I suppose. I've never had such problems with energy saving light bulbs. And sure. Lorry drivers should work 24/7 and can go home only four times a year. Makes your roads even safer, and creates more jobs for English drivers.

[@joemcpartlin6444]

Several things are clear from the comments: firstly, it is apparent that many found the argument too far above the level they have been used to over the recent past, or they had switched off early, basing their comments on the first few minutes; secondly, the number of comments would indicate that Fintan O’Toole has obviously knocked the confidence of many of those who thought ’Leave’ was a good idea, and so they resorted to name-calling; thirdly, is the British standard of education so bad that its citizens no longer can express themselves properly? Do they not teach basic grammar anymore, for instance? Germans communicate better in English than the English.

[@taintabird23]

Bravo! Well said Joe McPartlin, I couldn't have put it better myself.

[@kyrlacton1957]

Probably the best analysis of the Brexit conundrum

[@Simon0001533]

Explained very succinctly ; still a big problem

[@ianspencer2826]

Absolutely brilliant.....hits the nail on the head on all points.

[@aine7173]

Why are they asking an Irishman about Brexit.

[@TheMrSirCharles]

Because he has a clue what he's talking about?

[@bazzatheblue]

@@TheMrSirCharles you think

[@corkboy4523]

Because it’s abundantly clear the British haven’t a clue what’s going on.

[@rosehart341]

This is so coherent. It helps make a lot of sense about the Irish question.

[@andrewgoodbody2121]

Rose Hart please do not call it that, it has historic connotations that make Irish skin crawl.

[@dimejinky99]

Rose Hart it’s not an ‘Irish question’. It’s Britain setting fire to itself and Ireland trying to fireproof its border. This is aBritish question. If Britain even still exists.

[@Dear_Mr._Isaiah_Deringer]

You say 'Irish question'. I hear an English question.

[@taintabird23]

He's discussing the English question.

[@PanglossDr]

That is such a typically arrogant, stupid, offensive English comment. Did you learn nothing? You may well be a typical example of the people he is talking about.

[@Paulthepsych]

It's a fascinating analysis and that seems so plausible. The biggest nonsense of the whole thing has been the WELSH following the English who have attempted to destroy their identity for centuries. A country - albeit defined in the Union as a principality - has joined England like turkeys voting for Christmas. Most infrastructure projects in Wales have happened because of the EU, not because of Westminster. Such a sad state of affairs.

[@JohnDundas]

That actually is a lot weirder than people think, some of the Welsh did vote for Brexit, but if you break it down by county the east part of Wales voted to leave, the west voted remain. Why is this important? East Wales is largely where elderly English people retire to, there are some indications that the English living in Wales swung the vote towards leave, demographics and the share of the vote in other counties within Wales seem to point to this. This in itself could make Wales quite unstable as there may not be popular support there either for Brexit.