How close are we really to a united Ireland? | The News Agents

Northern Ireland's new first minister Michelle O'Neill has had her knuckles metaphorically rapped by the PM - who's warned politicians to "focus on the day to day" of the brand new power sharing deal - and not start conversations about a united Ireland.
Could Ireland really unite within he decade? How many voters want to see that happen? And are we missing the bigger picture of what this deal actually means and where the vulnerabilities still lie?
Later, Chris Steele is the former MI6 officer sued by Trump over the 'pee pee gate dossier'. That case has now been thrown out by a judge. He talks us through what it was like being sued by the former president and his fears that the US security services will be cowed into covering up what they know - if Trump returns.
#ireland #uk #news #politics #trump #NewsAgents #EmilyMaitlis #JonSopel #LewisGoodall
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Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall - three of the UK’s top journalists - host a brand-new daily news podcast: The News Agents.
They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news - and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed!
Episodes are available every weekday afternoon.
The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast and a Persephonica production.

[@Jamieguevara]

Completely untrue that people in the Republic don't want a United Ireland as Emily says here. Huge majority would love to see it.

[@3storiesUp]

Not everyone here wants it .. plucking "huge majority" out of thin air doesn't make it true.

[@blueocean2510]

It will allow funding direct from the EU to the Capital of the Province, Belfast. This will boost all of the counties, at present there exists the West North West, the West receives most of the funding the North West not a lot. A United Ulster can provide a example to the rest of the Island, with reasonable rent for business and private to create a modern dynamic place to live and work.

[@seantoner7392]

There’s a significant section of the southern populace that would oppose a United Ireland, around 40% according to the polls

[@blueocean2510]

@@seantoner7392 It is possible a United Ulster, would be dynamic, the other provinces may not be able to compete.

[@mrjars5721]

@seantoner7392 according to the polls. Listen to yourself 😂😂. Nobody in Ireland does polls. The polls in Ireland are all artificially constructed. As an Irishman who lives on the actual Irish border. Everyone in Ireland who is actually Irish will vote for a united Ireland. We the actual Irish dont have time for government propaganda or these new mordern day Irish/immigrants who are nothing more than a plantation on this island. If there is a vote in the morning guarantee 80% plus majority for unification. A vote in the north would be very close. This is why we are waiting for another generation as nationalists/Irish make up 70% of the population who are under 18. In 5 years time unionists/British will only make up 30% of the total population in the north. It won't even be close. This notion that 40% of the Southern Irish people don't want unification is a pipe dream and nothing more than fake news and unionist/west Dublin brit propaganda.

[@bernardmolloy6241]

I am Irish and from the Border area. And there will be a United Ireland. There are only 2 questions:- - When it happens - What that reunified Ireland would look like

[@joprocter4573]

Uk 68 England Ni 6 Roi 26 Scotland Wales Yes border vote looks a winner for uk

[@Londubh1]

To those who say a united Ireland will never happen, the soviet union fell and east Germany is now joined with the rest of Germany. And that happened over night.

[@smoosview6103]

Not many are saying never, demographics means it will eventually happen but not for some time as remain still has a 20 point lead on reunification. I would suggest at least another generation away (20 years)

[@Markymarkcy]

))))))

[@roughanbass806]

everybody in the east wanted to be in the west .. go up to tigers bay and see what they say up there about a united ireland .. look what happens up there in the summer 10000s of orange men marching all over the place

[@Jessie_James850]

In close future N. Ireland could be indenpendent country with two entities(like Belgium) . Reason is because Ireland and rest of Britain become woke nightmares and people of N. Ireland have nothing in common with them.

[@joprocter4573]

East Germany didn't re-unite over night..to date not all East Germans are happy

[@Murffytalk]

A reunited Ireland is a more appropriate phrase.

[@EpicAelflaed]

The Irish (Gaels) did take Scotland and name it after them so should they give that back to the British?

[@BrianMaher]

You can have it if you us back the island@@EpicAelflaed

[@johns1600]

Scotland had its vote and said no, it’s a sorted topic.

[@joemdee]

It was only ever united under Britain so are you going to rejoin the Union?

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

Why does nobody ask how the Protestants came to be there in the first place? Or does it not matter?

[@jacobfield4848]

Scottish Protestants, they are mainly Scottish. But those there now were born there.

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

Because the clock starts when the British want it to start. That's why the north was a beacon a hope before 1969.

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

@@colloquialsoliloquy6391 no it wasn't. The level of discrimination was appalling, aided and abetted by the UK government, the courts and the police!

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

@@jacobfield4848 They were indeed born there, but sometimes you need to acknowledge the roots of the problem before you can solve it.

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

@@michaelmccarthy9411 I know ,I'm saying the British set the reality ,in order to do that ,they have to start the clock at when their opponents fought back.

[@paulkinsella6536]

Many unionist politicians say, there won't be a United Ireland, and yet I can't help noticing the nervous look on their faces.

[@freneticness6927]

Alot of irish people didnt think they would be put under british rule but they still were.

[@hotbeefymcd8162]

As David McWilliams often says: demographics are destiny

[@BruceRobboFanClub]

Well done, Lewis - the first English journo I've heard, not absolutely mangle Taoiseach, Fianna Fail, and Fine Gael.

[@davidwalters4906]

Are they not West Brits😂

[@kapitidon]

What's really changed is the language and attitude of British Journalists show towards Northern Irish Political leaders Emily has shown the First and Deputy First Ministers the respect they both deserve. Thank you.

[@joprocter4573]

Emily respects no one

[@joprocter4573]

Dont judge by wokeness and headliners

[@jamesoneill2933]

​@@joprocter4573What does woke mean , genuine question?

[@anniegrath1417]

@@joprocter4573ah Josephine nobody is as hardline as you !

[@gottmituns813]

It's time for reunification!

[@robertpirsig5011]

No it isn't, rushing something major like this is a recipe for disaster, no matter what way you feel about it. It's not just about nationalist/loyalist divide. There is major economic questions that need to be understood. For example, could the South take on the North economically ? Right now the answer is definitely not.

[@gottmituns813]

@@robertpirsig5011 And based on what factual data do you make that type of statement? Ireland is one of the richest countries in the world and per capita much richer than the United Kingdom.

[@chrisw8284]

Indeed the 26 counties of the REPUBLIC of Ireland rejoining the United Kingdom of Great Britain and NORTHERN Ireland 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@peteymax]

People in Ireland will overlook any temporary fiscal challenges to reunite our country. It will be temporary, a whole island economy will thrive.

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

There won't be any hit. We will be getting 1/6 of our island, it's 2nd biggest city, reformed tax revenue streams FDI ,natural resources ,tourism etc, for about 2billion a year ,which will quickly turn from funding to tax revenue.

[@frankoneill5675]

There is a paper on the Project Muse website, where the lack of an economic hit, is described in detail. Title:'Why the ‘Subvention’ does not Matter: Northern Ireland and the All-Ireland Economy' by John Doyle

[@peteymax]

@@frankoneill5675 Yep I saw that in an ARINS report. The duplication of bureaucracy across all divisions of public service in NI is wasteful. Plus people forget that billions of the Westminster intervention is actually raised in NI, people there pay their taxes plus VAT. More importantly though, a combined island of Ireland economy in the EU will be more than the south + north, it will crest a bigger domestic market.

[@peterincork3121]

I'm not too sure about that ! Dublin will remain number 1 in any UI, but every other city in the Republic will be in a diminished status compared to Belfast, while rural areas areas in the Republic will also be in a diminished status compared with rural areas in Northern Ireland. The implications have not even been discussed amongst the Republic of Ireland citizens, and I bet they won't be too happy when they find out. Maybe you should paint "People in Ireland will overlook any temporary fiscal challenges to reunite our country" on the side of a big red bus ? I hear that sort of thing works well !

[@peteymax]

@@peterincork3121 What’s you rationale for the above? Limerick, Galway and Waterford, but especially Cork, all have stronger local economies than Belfast. How would it affect rural areas? Rural Leinster is mostly fairly wealthy as are parts of rural Munster. Rural Connacht and a lot of Munster have a strong tourist economy that will be unaffected. The Northwest will benefit hugely by further integration that will see Ireland and the EU invest in what would have been a former border area. Dublin is a powerhouse.

[@denniefleetfoot1082]

Likely not the first to mention this but the 1990 Star Trek: The Next Generation episode ‘The High Ground’, stated that Irish reunification happened in 2024…. It wasn’t until 2007 that the uncensored episode was broadcast by the BBC. It had been edited to remove that line till then.

[@robertduncan8954]

@smileymufc9827 'they' being who? as a trekkie and a republican I remember it being shown on British television during the original air date, 'they' didn't bat an eye, why would they?

[@patman142]

Not going to happen is it?

[@marty4268]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5O2eKNqjK51qbM

[@joemdee]

Star Trek and Irish Unity are both fiction.

[@nickyd922]

Even the DUP doesn't like the DUP. Worth noting, O'Neill is one of the oldest Irish family names

[@ConorMaguire-wl6vk]

The O' Neil's where once the rulers of Ulster.

[@paulduffy4585]

​​​@@ConorMaguire-wl6vkthey ruled Ulster for 1200 years of recorded history. Time is our cultural context. The Uí Neill had a run of high kingships that was over four centuries long. It's all just a matter of time.

[@kingofcelts]

@paulduffy4585 And, there's am even older name that was in Ireland going back into the mists of time. One that was written on stone slabs. Guess who? Yours my friend..

[@garymacdonald7165]

I'm Scottish,but my grandfather was also an ONeill from County Tyrone! Help me get that Irish passport,so I can represent youz in the Eurovision song contest!

[@benvair1370]

Here come the English, analysing Ireland and its problems without ever accepting that most of Irelands problems were created by the English.

[@williamcarter3933]

I hope so....and then Scotland and Wales to follow with independence

[@johndevoy5792]

Perhaps consider getting the views of someone of the opposite opinion to Mr Mc Bride. After all he is very much pro the union. A few points, 1. a substantial majority in Ireland favour unity, & that includes politicians from across all parties, not just Sinn Fein - a point not often grasped in Britain. Sinn Féin simply want to proceed more openly & quickly, though they still speak in terms of a decade at least. 2. Also, it is often NOT fully appreciated across the Irish Sea, understandably, that across so many areas; culture, sport, music, economy, and soon, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, health, tourism etc etc, Ireland is already either 'united,' or 'uniting' ... there is already and will no doubt be a furthering of all-island harmonisation. 3. Not even sure if anyone in Britain has even heard of the Shared Island Unit in the Dept of An Taoiseach, doing its work quietly to progress areas of connection. 4. The all island economy will continue to broaden and deepen. It will take time but as others have `alluded,, as more people in the 6 counties, including 'nationalists' understand the scale of development and economic heft in the 26, (as opposed tying itself to a UK in a bit of bother!!) they will begin to see a better path.

[@Mac2Spice]

Great points

[@smoosview6103]

The majority is significant in both NI and RoI but in opposite directions. Until there is a majority in NI for reunification there can be no border poll and right now remain is 20 points ahead. What is interesting is support in ROI is going down not up. So whilst reunification is inevitable it is still quite some way off.

[@Jay_Johnson]

I don't think that's true. It may say more about my friends but we would all rather see Ireland united than the status quo. We just don't want the unionists bombing our country. I have literally never met anyone who has cared about NI unionism

[@johndevoy5792]

Irish Times yesterday...even former unionist advisor Chris Maccabe believes unification is slowly happening!!! To a degree, people in RoI are cautious about inviting in a toxic unionism, but that toxicity is waning and in a decade it will be less of an issue. I agree with the comment below, there is huge support across all sectors of Irish society to get rid of partition, indeed that souupert stretches right across the world, esp in the US, & I dare say, EVEN in England, where they couldn't care less. @@smoosview6103

[@johndevoy5792]

true.@@Jay_Johnson

[@davidbosquette4798]

Reunification not unification. Give Ireland back to the Irish. The time is now.

[@user-fd4sh3zl5z]

U mean the 6 county’s ya maybe

[@Jay_Johnson]

hot take northern protestants are Irish

[@jedsithor]

Ireland hasn't been united under an Irish banner since Brian Boru united the clans a thousand years ago so there is some justification for saying unification as it's not like the reunification of West and East Germany.

[@davidbosquette4798]

@@jedsithor Depends how you look at it. 1000 years is nothing imo. Common sense and current will indicates its time to start the conversation about ending the occupation.

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

​@@user-fd4sh3zl5zthe illegally occupied 6 counties. Éire Abú! 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪Aontaithe go deo!💚

[@irishskier9432]

Emily your not correct about the south, There have been recent polls in the south that have shown 75 percent would vote in favour of UI

[@Markymarkcy]

Doesn't matter what folks in Eire think..

[@guinan2007]

Read the GFA. For Irish unity there has to be a referendum North and South.

[@LL-vk9zc]

Please give details about which polls show this 75%

[@irishskier9432]

@@Markymarkcy It absolutely does matter.

[@Markymarkcy]

@irishskier9432 how..You REALLY need to address the GFA .. )

[@spjm17]

Its hard to take a debate serious when its between a pro union supporter and Emily, a British woman telling Irish people how they feel. I have plenty of family from the south, and they all say 100% they'd vote for unification. It's not even a debate down south. Emily (a british woman) speaking for Irish people in the south is unbelievably ridiculous given the topic. 😂

[@anthonymullen6300]

And why not considering the Misery that England bestowed upon that Ireland for centuries.

[@Markymarkcy]

Your history / geography teacher failed you. 'England'..? Britain, perhaps ..

[@briancarton1804]

​@@MarkymarkcyThe Crown is English. The English Crown oppressed the Welsh and Scots also. The levers of power were and are pulled in London wielded by English men.

[@johnmcalester5165]

Before there is a United Ireland or even a border poll, there has to be some constructive plan on how NI is to be integrated into the Republic, economically, socially and politically. This can only be undertaken by the Irish Government and to date they have shown absolutely no sign of starting preparations. Things may change if a Sinn Fein govt. is elected in the Republic of Ireland but that is certainly not a given.

[@username33ish]

BS partition was a crime and it's time to correct that historical injustice

[@AnBreadanFeasa]

If the Irish govt had an effective strategy for Brexit before the Tories even thought one was needed why would you think there aren't contingencies for reunification? Such plans are not made public in advance.

[@frankoneill5675]

They are laying the groundwork for increased all island, cross border cooperation through the Shared Island Initiative. This is not about reunification as such, but aimed at reducing some of the differences across the border. They also started Project Ireland 2040, making the island a better place for all its citizens. If the government started preparing for reunification openly, unionism would have a fit. Other groups are also looking at the questions and implications of reunification, such as Prof Colin Harvey from QUB, driving the debate in the Six Counties, and Ireland's Future No one in Ireland has any intention of rushing blindly into reunification.

[@johnmcalester5165]

I would agree with you, I don’t think that there will be a Berlin Wall moment. Rather the North and South will slowly integrate economically and eventually way down the line politically .

[@Driver2616]

For many years, unseen work has been going on in the background, in preparation for the day when partition is consigned to history. Barristers from both jurisdictions have been working to streamline laws and general legal frameworks that currently exist in the two jurisdictions. The more important pieces of legislation in this regard include the criminal law, social welfare laws, legislation governing policing, education and health. And in the R of Ire, a programme has been ongoing where the senior management team of the police service is increasingly drawn from the demographic that is the Unionist population of Northern Ireland. As we see now, the business environment across the entirety of Ireland is converging. A final consideration in this whole phenomenon is the fact that socially, people living in areas straddling the border between the two jurisdictions over the last twenty five years, live their lives as if there is no border.

[@ConnbineHarvester]

8:51 The Irish border is the sea, the line that divides Northern Ireland from the Republic Of Ireland is a British border on the island of Ireland.

[@ianworley8169]

Other than UK Tory Unionists and Ulster Unionists, I honestly believe that a majority of the UK population would be more than happy to see a united Ireland. Personally, the sooner the better. As an Englishman, I'd go further and happily see the Union dissolved and all four parts permanently and peacefully independent of each other.

[@joprocter4573]

No one surviving

[@davidwalters4906]

​@@joprocter4573not be Long 😂

[@rule-of-thumb]

More power to that my brother, as equals, with individual determination and self power. Only then can we truly step up and work together, and if that's what our sovereign nations vote for ✊🏼

[@joprocter4573]

Small minds live on dots on map and don't give a fig about real ppl real in NI or uk

[@joprocter4573]

@@davidwalters4906 squirm all you like but will bite you on tail

[@barryryan14]

The 6 counties of Ireland were stolen after a plantation. I can safely say this lady is incorrect in her statement. Irish people in the vast majority want their country reunited.

[@dmckevit]

Speak for yourself

[@jacobfield4848]

The Catholic church colonized Ireland and forced the people there to adopt Catholicism as their religion.

[@frankoneill5675]

@@jacobfield4848 Utter nonsense. The British made Catholicism illegal in Ireland and tried to proselytise the Irish into anglicanism. No one else has ever tried to force religion on anyone in Ireland

[@marian2700]

How close are we to a disUnited Kingdom.

[@welshpenguin1]

it's never been one - just the remnants of an English Empire

[@EpicAelflaed]

The Scots came from Ireland

[@KeithWilliamMacHendry]

@@EpicAelflaed Ancient Scotland was Pictish, The Romans called it Caledonia, it also consisted of Britons (Welsh) Vikings & lately even Saxons. The Scots tribes were given their name by the Romans. We are a mixed bag of peoples with the Scots only being one of the genetic groups that make up Scotland today.

[@EpicAelflaed]

@@KeithWilliamMacHendry yes that’s correct 👍

[@ciaranoconnor4027]

Maitlis massively wide of the mark regarding the opinions of the people of the 26 counties. Obviously attending parties and rubbing shoulders with RTE people is not representative of what the people of Ireland actually think. Pro-unification in the 26 usually runs at or above 70% for, a supermajority in effect.

[@barrypower6822]

yes but this is a big but , they never asked would they pay another 2 to 5 percent in taxes to pay for that .

[@Mr---mr4ll]

Is the new minister in Northern Ireland, the equivalent of a Palestinian from Gaza winning the PM job in Tel Aviv ?

[@paulduffy4585]

Not quite. But there are parallels.

[@Londubh1]

Quite similar.

[@JohnMckenna-kf9vx]

Yes

[@andunabu3238]

A United Ireland is already happening. Ireland is already more united now since the British partitioned it (against the wishes of over 90% of the Irish people). This is due to Brexit, Brexit did more to collapse the UK and promote Irish unity than the IRA ever could have. North South trade since Brexit is up 80%. Southern Irelands per capita GDP is X7 that of tne UK NI is finished.

[@tan97]

No question about that. In the event irish Unity happens the 5 statues might be padraig Pearse michael Collins Eamon Devalera Michelle O'Neill and Nigel Farage (who is an IRA fan as we know from his birthday greeting 😅 )

[@user-dd7cf5rh8n]

Ireland is a very very different place now to when the Protestant state for a Protestant people of Northern Ireland and Eamon De Valera 's holy Catholic republic of Ireland were formed. It is like it or not a multi cultural multi denomination country where most people on the island particularly and most importantly the young people consider themselves European . I have great faith in the young people of this island north and south , they are educated , progressive and not willing to accept the bigotry of the past. Both sides have much less to fear from each other now than in the 1920s Ireland.

[@EpicAelflaed]

Ireland is also multicultural and diverse

[@user-dd7cf5rh8n]

@@EpicAelflaed that's what I said that was my point

[@spjm17]

​@user-dd7cf5rh8n you haven't really made a point. More a statement. Which I agree with. But do you mean there will or won't be unification because of it?

[@user-dd7cf5rh8n]

@@spjm17 I believe it makes it more likely and realistic

[@patricklynch6547]

Well said as an 82 year old Granda I’ve grate faith & admiration for our young Irish citizens.

[@jacobfield4848]

Most English people want their own parliament and independance from Scotland, Wales and N.Ireland. The media blocks reporting of this.

[@darrengray5045]

Made up nonsense. show your evidence

[@batcollins3714]

The British government won't allow Scotland to leave so you're talking through your arris!

[@specialized500]

Most English people have no idea, they prefer Love Island and Ant and Dec to such matters

[@martindornan1667]

​@@batcollins3714 A London court makes a judgement of a Westminster law voted in by 533 English Westminster MPs that the Scottish people from the country of Scotland cannot hold a democratic vote to decide their future unless the 533 English Westminster MPs who the Scottish people don't vote for agree. If the 533 English Westminster MPs that the Scottish people don't vote for continue to block the Indyref2 vote then it's a forced union. Westminster tried that in Ireland and look how that turned out.

[@austinsheeran2125]

I think Brexit has changed the conversation hugely. For lots of Ulster Protestants, their identity is very much tied to Orangeism , which is part of Irish culture , predating the Union. I doubt very much that any UK government is going to worry too much about preserving Orangeism, whereas any government in a new Ireland would have little choice.

[@jameslawrence3666]

Brexshit, the gift that keeps on giving.... but mostly taking

[@davidpryle3935]

How did you manage to drag Brexit into it ?

[@jmo8934]

Demographics say this will happen at some point. But it won’t be this year or next. In 10 years time who knows where we will be or what will happen? If the Brexit referendum showed us anything though it’s don’t charge into something headlong without having your ducks in a row.

[@daithibocht]

Not soon but I do think it will happen in the next 25 years - Unionists will not be bullied or beaten into a United Ireland but they will come to see a better future themselves in a New Ireland that is economically and socially more progressive - a New Ireland that respects their traditions - while the decline of post brexit UK continues and Unionist realise that Britain really doesn’t care about them.

[@johndevoy5792]

couldn't agree more...but I'll add, with a 60-plus yr gut feeling, that things are about to remain both stable and will go faster than people think, therefore I'd say 10 to 15yrs

[@kazor1367]

LOL no chance

[@lancer5147]

Plus it seems like they are always trying to prove they are British, they always act like they are saving the union! Don’t get rid of us, you need us!

[@jameslawrence3666]

Unionists....bullied in N Ireland? - oh the irony, but I doubt it

[@Markymarkcy]

..Any UK govt wishing to be shot of N.I. Will have to subsidise the new, enlarged Republic..for a long time.. Who in N.I will vote to pay to see their GP ( local Doctor) ?

[@simontitchmarsh3956]

Excellent interview with Chris Steele.

[@garymacdonald7165]

Everyone in England is now moving up to Scotland since the referendum result,so dont expect the UK to ever break up!

[@conorphelan7242]

A border poll may come in the next decade but there’s not guarantee that it will lead to a united Ireland. There is a lot to debate. We need to figure out how it would work. Unionists will have their say. I’d love to see a united ireland but I have deep concerns about how it would be achieved peacefully 🍀

[@patrickcullinane7461]

Democratically The People Rule the people Of Ireland The Irish People

[@Cacbo774]

Can't be stopped. Irish people will decide together.

[@conorphelan7242]

@@patrickcullinane7461 Of course we do but we have to do it right.

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

I can guarantee two things ,the unionists won't be betrayed like with Boris , and they won't be just shunted into Ireland without debate or recompense, like Scotland and the north were with Brexit.

[@patrickcullinane7461]

@@colloquialsoliloquy6391 We Do not Need English Minister's Running Our Affairs Ian Paisley Sr Told Martin McGuiness 25 years ago? Two Irishmen From Northern Ireland The North of Ireland Irish Unionists Are As A Part of Ireland As They Can Be It's English Minister's Are Not a Part of Ireland North East South Or west

[@jurgen6768]

I look forward to a united Ireland , an independent Scotland and Cymru - both as EU members . All 3 celtic nations working together and part of the European community. Brexit has certainly made this more possible than before .

[@amcc5887]

100% 🔥🔥🔥

[@johns1600]

Scotland had its shot I’m sorry to say, it could have been something special but most Scot’s it seems don’t see their future as a free nation.

[@oneblueorange]

Northern Ireland is over...it's only a matter of time.

[@amysands8925]

And how is the South doing. You could say the same thing. there being over taken by migrents. Soon no Irish lift. Thats what you should be worring about.

[@johncopeland3826]

A united Ireland will happen much sooner than later ...as sure as night follows day . Then Scotland and Wales shall quickly follow suit ...guaranteed . Then the english becomes this small ,debt ridden country in the North Atlantic ,pleading for foreign deals and partnerships . There is your Brexit for you right there !

[@patricklynch6547]

At 82 years of age I hope we have a united Ireland before I put on the wooden overcoat .

[@Jay_Johnson]

The UK rejoining the EU is more popular than any independence movement in the UK.

[@thecosmicxx]

I can’t see the Welsh leaving any time soon. Their govt is more intertwined with Westminster than other parts of the UK

[@joemdee]

The United Kingdom will last.

[@Jay_Johnson]

Polling to rejoin the EU is higher than any of the national movements within the UK.

[@leedavis6000]

Norther Ireland poorer than the rest of Ireland due to being part of the uk. That’s a crazy fact. What a riveting interview with Steele. Terrifying stuff

[@Markymarkcy]

))) 'Poorer'...?) Pure ignorance...1/ The population of N.I get more govt money per head of population than any part of GB FACT 2/ Cost of living far less than most of the Republic. FACT.. Got any more interesting 'stats'? )))

[@peterincork3121]

No, it's poorer because it's in SF's interest to put out that narrative rather than work with the unionists for the economic betterment of all people in NI. They want NI to be a failed state. NI has the potential to take advantage of tariff free entry to the EU while maintaining its links with the rest of the UK.

[@maxpowerii7368]

@@peterincork3121no it’s just poorer due to years of British government not investing in it.

[@Markymarkcy]

@maxpowerii7368 )) The UK govt puts in more tax £ per head that any other part of the UK...RoI could not afford N.I. unless the UK govt subsidised N.I. is in a unique position to benefit from Brexsh*te trading with the rest of the UK and Europe...)

[@leedavis6000]

Sorry guys believe what the interviewer says. Not surprised with a Tory government tbh.

[@rule-of-thumb]

From a Welsh man, it was great to see Michelle O'Neill became the first minister. Next reunification ✊🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇨🇮🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@joprocter4573]

Thanks for you loyalty to fellow British citizens t

[@rule-of-thumb]

@@joprocter4573 I'm not british, I'm Welsh

[@jamesoneill2933]

​@@joprocter4573Do you believe that you are owed something?

[@joprocter4573]

@@jamesoneill2933 don't owe you ought.

[@anniegrath1417]

@@joprocter4573Ah Josephine nobody in England really cares!

[@smoozerish]

As an Irishman, I would love to see a united ireland. A country where all traditions are respected. It's the fly in the ointment in Ireland's relationship with England. I think most English people have no interest in hanging onto this relic of colonial times.

[@joprocter4573]

How ancient you are talking of colony when eu has ireland in its pocket

[@DavidSmith-bd8dd]

It's not the English or the Welsh but Scotland who has a closer relationship with the north but does the south want all the problems that comes with a united Ireland

[@user-hs4pd5te5c]

As an Irishman I never want a United Ireland;

[@joprocter4573]

That's not shared future but Irish or English one which means no acknowledgement of citizens who have a problem with civil wars.terrorists wars and airbrushing them out of existance

[@anniegrath1417]

@@joprocter4573and the Windsor Frame-Up has you in its pocket, now behave or Boris will throw you under the big red bus again Josephine!

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting.

[@derrygerry2569]

I think if there was s united Ireland there would be s healthy financial package from the USA and the EU

[@joemdee]

There will be no investment from the US or EU in a country which is economically and politically unstable and where there will be violence and insurgency.

[@Obrannt]

Letting yourselves down having that “journalist” from the North on. He is as bigoted in his views as some of the hardliners. Flying to the other side of Ireland. What an ignorant so and so.

[@davidmccarter9479]

There are some people , on both sides, who just can’t stop snarling and sneering at each other. It is well represented in these comments. Give it a rest please. What will be will be. Thanks for having Sam on the show, he is a great journalist.

[@hysemblack1716]

7:14 And what were the British monarchs and Unionist establishments doing in NI for centuries? Is that exempt from condemnation or equal concern for Republicans, or is it a case of selective amnesia for Brits when it comes to looking at themselves and their own antics in subjugating the 'lesser' other. Coloniser arrogance, much?

[@chiorazu8047]

If it was done in my country(Germany with the Berlin and soviet union), it can be done if Irelands really want their country back

[@pauldillon6579]

Spent most of my time listening to this as opposed to talking over it or shouting at the presenting journalists ! I would share the view of other commentators that a majority of the people in the ROI would vote for reunification.I'll watch more of this.

[@billyo54]

British politicians, British political commentators and British newspapers have been constantly talking about a united Ireland ad nauseum. I suspect that after the dose of Unionist intransigence that the British government and the brexiteers in particular had to deal with, they would like to be shut of the situation once and for all. I think the Unionists will provide a much needed laxative for the British political classes.

[@jedsithor]

It's talked about more in the UK than it is in Ireland.

[@weezersthebluealbum9479]

7:03 Does someone want to tell this “journalist” what happened in Derry in 1972 when Catholics tried to march for their civil rights?

[@conordorrian1652]

English journalism talking about Irish politics.......? Home politics running smoothly.... All these self appointed experts yet Britain slipping ever steadily into the sewer...

[@TheBarrickBoy]

The Irish want it. The English don’t want to keep paying for partition, why wait?

[@riccardo-964]

You don't do anything overnight. You take your time. You stress whatever you don't like, you push it to its limit. Then it's "obvious" that you're idea should succeed. And we have Ireland Unified, we have Private NHS.

[@jimboyle6974]

Can we in ireland have a vote whether we want Northern Ireland

[@corkboy4523]

That’s already part of any border poll

[@GerryAds]

If Northern Ireland vote to leave the UK in a border poll, then we in Ireland would then hold a unification Referendum. Neither are likely to happen anytime soon as the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland must be of the opinion that a border poll in Northern Ireland would succeed. Currently all polls suggest that NI wants to remain part of UK, so a border poll isn’t necessary.

[@stevenwilliamson6236]

Is Jeffery the leader of the DUP or is it Bryson? Ten votes,bin lid Bryson?

[@smoosview6103]

All polls in NI show a very clear lead to remaining in the UK. Most polls have remain ahead by 15 to 20% so unlikely for the foreseeable future.

[@TMan786]

You mean a "reunited Ireland" don't you?

[@soya7955]

It was never a united entity

[@TMan786]

@@soya7955 Lol. Shouldn't you start your fairytale with "Once upon a time?"

[@dazzwsmith]

Ireland belongs to the Irish.

[@maxpowerii7368]

Exactly…that’s why you should vote Sinn Fein.

[@podjun80]

​@maxpowerii7368 vote for a party that supports mass immigration into ireland?? They fully support irish people becoming a minority in their homeland.

[@puppetsnippets6830]

Do the folk living south of the border have say too? It will really affect them.

[@trevaudio]

Yes ! Obviously

[@lancer5147]

They want this! They are licking and smacking their lips at the thought of a united ireland!

[@dmcg6074]

Yes and no, many are unsure if they want the headache of dealing with the fanatics and their problems, and they especially don't want to pay for it

[@anthonygallagher4157]

Most of the money spent in the north comes from the south,so don't U be worrying about the money...we will look after our six counties when we get them back soon..thanks for ur concern tho 🇮🇪

[@jmo8934]

All polls show that people in the Republic of Ireland will vote for reunification when a border poll comes. Obviously there are worries and potential problems but it won’t be enough to scupper things.

[@theshadow5800]

Perhaps close to a single nation independent of Westminster, but generations from a united people.

[@ivanshipy1966]

All my life i have hoped and wished for a united Ireland ...but i hope not under a Sinn Fein Government their motto is " Brits out everbody else in " ...

[@fishyq5077]

Sam McBride with his bigoted statement about the SDLP and GAA. Get a neutral journalist on, not one who works for the Orange Man Daily.

[@SeanKelly-lh2lk]

It’s comical listening to British media discussion on United Ireland, it’s like they have read a text book but miss underlying trends - huge transformation going on across the island, north and south that will drive a UI. Unionists recognise this already otherwise they wouldn’t go into government with SF, their position has always been to not allow NI to work effectively, as that contains progress

[@anthonymullen6300]

2019 elections nationalists 40% unionists 43% others 17% ... so at the rate of the national vote increasing overtime as it has in the past then yes a united Ireland is inevitable... sorry about that Sam.

[@Markymarkcy]

..and what proportion of the 17 percent would vote to end the Union? I believe you'll find the non tribal vote is not split 50 50

[@ionnanskilliorus6877]

@@Markymarkcy It all depends on the state of the UK and the ROI at the time and if the future looks better with one or the other.. Those ones in the middle (of which I am one) will vote for what's best for themselves and their families, regardless of ideology. If the UK turns around from what it's been doing for the last decade and has real electoral reform, then I would probably opt to stay. If the ROI sorts out its housing crisis and continues to grow the way it has and the UK keeps going down the toilet, then I'd be looking out. If there was a ref soon, I'd be voting for a UI but my mind could change on that.

[@briancarton1804]

​​@@MarkymarkcyThe Nationalists will have a voting majority in 25 years in excess of 50%. The 17% non tribal might still exist and 30% unionist vote. The days for the union are numbered.

[@Markymarkcy]

@briancarton1804 ))) I have NO idea how you dreamt up that 'stat'..especially going back 25 years.. IF there was a vote, now money would talk, not aspirations

[@briancarton1804]

@@Markymarkcy Read my comment again. Never said anything about going back 25 years. Looking forward 25 years. If you examine the last census for the first time the population identifying as Catholics were in a majority. I know not all Catholics will not vote for a united Ireland but the vast majority will. Most of the unionist population are older and are dying at a rate of almost 2 to 1 Nationalists. A large number of those being identified as Catholics are younger and not yet eligible to vote yet and way out number those younger children identifying as Protestant. As time marches on there are less unionists and more and more Nationalists. Its just a matter of time before the Nationalists have sufficient numbers to win the vote.

[@tombattisti8682]

Maitlis’ ignorance about Ireland’s sentiment toward unification is startlingly ill-informed. Do your homework.

[@davidf4897]

There is something cringingly niave about this discussion. Two English people talking about Ireland, North and South in abstract terms. Mandatory coalition has delivered virtually nothing for NI. There is no collective responsibility for service delivery.Public services are on their knees and health is on life support. Ministerial fiefdoms following their own policies and two main parties who are constitutionally, politically, socially, economically and culturally charging in different directions. Years and years of no government here. SF in the South is losing support since the last election and are carrying out their own moratorium to understand why. Immigration in Ireland certainly plays into this. SF's problem is that if they became the governing party in the South they would have to govern. You can't point to NI as an example of SF governing. Mandatory coalition ensures that everyone and no-one is in charge. Every party shares any 'victories' but when things go wrong its a blame game with everyone running for cover. .

[@lizwaters4066]

The UK does not have the money to continue to support NI, plus most English people have no warm feeling or sense of loyalty to the Unionists. If the EU gave financial support to reintegrate NI into Ireland, the unification of Ireland will be successful. Don’t forget The Republic is in the EU. Many corporations have already moved to Ireland to avoid the problems or Brexit. There are two forces moving Ireland toward unification. The demographic decline of the unionists, the disaster of Brexit. The UK is now a poor country!

[@jacobfield4848]

Irish people keep leaving. English people want independance.

[@thecosmicxx]

@@jacobfield4848English people want independence from what? Themselves?

[@jacobfield4848]

From Wales, Scotland and N Ireland, who leach off the English.@@thecosmicxx

[@garryfarquhar9402]

Leach off the English 😂😂 do your research before coming out with the utter pish you have spoken!

[@ado75]

I love the detached English way of discussing Ireland, like they are spectators on the side of something that has nothing to do with them. The London government partitioned the Island and founded Northern Ireland as a sectarian state with an inbuilt majority of colonisers to keep as much land as possible. A nationalist being in charge was never supposed to happen. The journalists here are overplaying the minutiae of day-to-day politics... change is coming. When is another matter.

[@johndwyer5246]

How much will it cost, who will pay for it?

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

Surely you should have specified which way the Belfast Telegraph is leaning?

[@KidMo-iy9pm]

7:00 As if the Unionists were the only side who were the victims of violence. Ever hear of the UVF and the British Army? You say things like that and you reveal your lack of knowledge and understanding of the history of it.

[@johnlynch6833]

How rereshing Michelle

[@AnBreadanFeasa]

The issue isn't a border poll tomorrow. It's the trend... demographics, young unionists leaving the north, strong EU support for Ireland, the Republic's economic success, the utter stupidity of Brexit, the simplicity of an all-island economy, the fact that most people ultimately vote with their wallets, Sinn Fein's emergence as a likely govt party in the south, the demise of the combatant generation on both sides, the utter inability of unionism to say anything positive or forward looking, the clear disinterest in holding onto NI by most English people, the likelihood that a Labour govt understands the inevitability of reunification, probable US and EU financial support in the event of unification... The constitutional arrangements will be key, but that is understood by all Irish parties, the EU, and even the British govt. Unionist/British identity must be acknowledged and protected, but it can be. Sinn Fein understood all of this long before the GFA so what's at issue here is "when" not "whether".

[@johndoyle2397]

You're absolutely correct

[@Jay_Johnson]

I think a lot of unionists forget they are essentially the only people blocking re-unification. No-one in Britain cares so long as there isn't political violence spilling over. Many would rather it to solve the issues of the north sea/irish border problem.

[@Driver2616]

Why is it that the very few (in all truth, extremely few) people in the Republic of Ireland that would oppose the end of Partition, are being regarded and reported in some quarters in Britain as being a large vocal presence?

[@Cacbo774]

""ONLY THE IRISH PEOPLE"" WILL DECIDE. NO MORE FOREIGN SECTARIAN INTERFERENCE WILL BE PERMITTED.

[@paddyt4043]

The was some of the fancist word salad iv heard in ages 🤮

[@xtrailz]

Why do the Brits want to own Ireland so bad?

[@user-yh3cs5gg3t]

We need 20 years to heal the rift between people in the North. We don't want the Troubles part two. Let's grow together slowly learning to trust each other. What's the rush?

[@frankgreen1663]

Certainly don't want a mass exodus of unionists to Britain that's for sure

[@bobsmith5441]

Agree

[@pringledingle3180]

I agree - this needs to be a slow, incremental and lasting process.

[@tc2664]

12:43 what he said wasn't actually entirely correct. If you counted all the nationalist party votes combined and the Unionist votes combined then Nationalists votes won by an extra 4,700 votes

[@m1nfy]

The transitional whoosh blew my ears off listening to this on headphones...lol

[@patrickdoyle9304]

The people of the ROI will not take on a huge debt ridden security risk without serious cash from the U.K.

[@jedsithor]

It's more likely to come from the EU. The UK might make some kind of solidarity payment for Unionists but the bulk of any financial aid for the transition will come from the EU and maybe the US.

[@shamrockgerry]

The Irish people will decide. And the Irish Nation ☘️ Know partition hasn't worked. 🇬🇧 Reunification is way forward 🇮🇪

[@MrJockM]

Having to do what Sunak orders you to do is a bit like having to be obedient to the crook who broke in and stole your TV when you get it back.

[@frankmacgabhann6935]

Emily, why didn't you ask Steele if the allegations in the dossier were true or fabricated? That's what journalists do.

[@charliebannon5489]

Most people in Ireland don't love sinn fein. They're sick of the political parties who are continually in power, constantly messing up our country. We want change. What are our alternatives?

[@paulreilly1695]

Arlene foster spitt the golf ball out of her mouth and called shouted 4 can u only picture the face of her now

[@patrick-pc1jh]

I think it’s a great idea and also give Scotland and Wales the same , but they survive on there own currency, economy etc with no support from England

[@heysomeone0310]

I love it. People defending intelligence agents who forge documents and try to manufacture evidence for political purposes. When they do it against you, don’t start your whining luv

[@batcollins3714]

And you know this how?? Private chats with Diaper Don?

[@Irish780]

I'm irish not sure if I want unionists in my country

[@johnmulderrig3234]

Ireland should never been divided in the 1st place Britain has absolutely no right to occupy any part of Ireland

[@mtw9471]

We want a united Ireland.

[@joemdee]

No we don’t.

[@rule-of-thumb]

Yes we do , clown 🤡

[@chrisw8284]

​@@joemdeeyou could not afford us

[@Anjuli72]

Closer than you think!

[@Richard_L_Y]

There was always the middle ground; just that most of those were middle or upper class, and/or able to get an education, and leave; thus perpetuation was inevitable; without, and will still be without, joint, or at least, shared, education, in all of N.I., for all.

[@BirdFlypath]

That fellow Lewis is brighter than he gesticulates🤓I wish I had half his brain.

[@joemdee]

That is because he is English and you are Irish.

[@kevindevane6175]

What everyone forgets about in this conversation is that it's not just down to the people of NI, people in the Republic will also vote and I can tell you if it were held tomorrow the answer would be no. Why? because we are grown-ups and we realise things like this take time and money. We want it done right with Britain been held to full fiscal responsibility on its part.

[@murpho999]

It will pass in Ireland with a huge majority. Only ill informed people on the internet state otherwise.

[@stephengriffith7066]

That's not true at all. Plenty would vote no in the South but all stats show that a vote for unification would pass with a landslide in the Republic.

[@Cacbo774]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@kevindevane6175]

@@Cacbo774 Laugh all you want mate, we are talking10's of billions.👍

[@frankoneill5675]

@@kevindevane6175 No we're not. There is a paper on the Project Muse website, where the absence of an economic hit is described in detail. Title:'Why the ‘Subvention’ does not Matter: Northern Ireland and the All-Ireland Economy' by John Doyle

[@brians1902]

We have bigger fish to fry.

[@Frankabagnale33]

It’s inevitable. But it won’t be very soon. Think 20-30 years from now. The Protestants in the south are just Irish people who happen to be Protestant and nobody remotely cares or would even ask. The same will be true for NI, it’s just a province coming home.

[@davealex6640]

I agree with you mainly but i would change inevitable with likely. As in 20 years we dont know where the U K will be or Ireland financially which i would hope in 20 years will be what its all about rather than green and orange.

[@jameshiggins1505]

In the original province Ulster had 9 counties not six. We need the politicians to earn their wages

[@sandyfordd1843]

Ulster still has nine counties, nothing has changed on that front. The London-ruled NI is just six small counties in Ireland.

[@101spacemonkey]

They really needed more input from people in NI. English people commenting on it with no understanding of the nuance and depth of some issues is very much apparent