Making Sense of a United Ireland: Q&A with Professor Brendan O’Leary

[@DeeJayDready]

Excellent content! Brendan O’Leary should in fact BE said Minister for Reunification…

[@johnmcgrath1970]

100% totally agree, 👌

[@jimdonnelly3711]

Great interview. Well done to all involved. Calm and reasoned discussion which is compelling

[@brucedanton3669]

Thank you for this of course which is very well done too. A most interesting subject of course, and thank you for your research into it as well. Although I am British, I do have Irish ancestry although I have not been there though. Also of course, this is a topic which is often in the news, which is why I follow it so then too.

[@georgebrowne5935]

I had never any doubt of the reunification of Ireland at some stage, but the Brexit Conservative and Unionist Party in Westminster certainly folded their hand of cards earlier than expected. Partition has been a total disaster, and very poorly thought out back in 1920-21

[@joprocter4573]

Correct about poorly thought out.. All faith aphreid schools routes needs shutting down so citizens live together from childhood NOT WHEN ADULT AND MEET FELLOW CITIZENS AT ADULTHOOD 18 PLUS

[@georgebrowne5935]

@joprocter4573 Yes, we both agree on this. But religion never had anything to do with the divide, it was merely a Scapegoat an excuse to muddy the water. It was all about Political Power and self entitlement by the People who supported the Monarchy and their British Government in Westminster in the early day's of Colonialism. I have Protestant People living all around me, (all Wealthy) in the twenty six Counties and more churches than the Catholics. I have to laugh at the idea that some Unionists say that the Protestant People were persecuted after Partition in the South? Which of course is a complete Lie. I judge a Person on their kindness and honesty, nothing to do with religion.

[@popeyesailor9571]

My family left because of it. I can only give my support in emotions. None of Grandpa or his siblings ever told me negative stories about Ireland but I have found enough in books etc. Ireland will always be in my heart.

[@roisinmalone3015]

Thanks Really interesting

[@cathaldeveney7488]

I didn’t know about the debate.

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

I have no doubt that when a Reunited Ireland does happen The UK the European Union America and philanthropy will keep the statelet afloat. After that with Irishi government money and investment in education and infrastructure the North will see a boost in.the economy.

[@cathaldeveney7488]

I think you deflate yourself with with permanent no attitude.

[@joprocter4573]

So why did Ireland not share out EU funding for All Ireland projects but kept it.

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

@@joprocter4573 You really should enlighten your ignorance. European Union grants are project spefic and not transferable to other projects or governments. If they were the Tory party would apply for grants then divi the money among themselves. That said The Irish government DO contribute to capital projects in N Ireland. Latest one being a bridge they are financing 100% They also have comitted over 600 million Euro towards upgrading the N2 or A5. Same road depending which side of the border you are on.

[@joprocter4573]

@@williampatrickfagan7590 you really should look it up. Ireland was given by EU for projects to share with NI.. IT WAS QUITE A SCANDAL AT THE TIME.

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

@@joprocter4573 Like I said Ireland does indeed fund infrastructure in n Ireland up to 100% Had what you have implied happened it would have brought down the Government and the European Union would have had inquiry. Politics in Ireland is a blood sport. Ditto across the border. May I have a reference or citation to look into the matter. If Ireland had misappropriated grants it would be a criminal offence.

[@hardeepchaudhary893]

Ireland is one island. It's better to live united than divided island. Catholic Christian issue shouldn't be a problem.

[@gregorymclaughlin6206]

The careful way established politics and academia are talking about the possibility of a united Ireland contrasts with partition leading to partition. The British government said so...and so it was. NO discussion. No careful discussion or planning. No thought about the feelings of nationalists or republicans.

[@gregorymclaughlin6206]

Brendan O'Leary's argument about the NI Alliance party dividing on ultimate question of partition/unification is THE question. I think this will be ultimately decided by the long question of Britain v EU.

[@papi8659]

There won't be an NHS in ten years anywhere to be fair.

[@edwardandrews4087]

Would it benefit unionist and nationalist in the north if the north could stay within the british commonwealth in the event of a United Ireland? Also what would happen to student debt, would it be cancelled, or reduced with Britan selling it off at a percentage of its value, or would it stay the same?

[@conallgeneral8136]

Incentivize the younger generation, discount the debt

[@edwardandrews4087]

@@conallgeneral8136 I hate all the ones who say they can't afford to unite their country, but want to spend money joining NATO. What's that all about?

[@indogoUI]

The north as it stands today won't exist

[@gregorymclaughlin6206]

Have never heard of loser's consent. For example, the UK's referendum on EU membership.

[@gregorymclaughlin6206]

I was born in Donegal, of Donegal parents, in 1963. We moved to Derry in 1967. I have always held my birthplace dear. I am from Donegal. But I had an upbringing in Derry. I am now 60, Not long left. But I am Irish. Most of the people of Derry are Irish. So Irish "intellectuals" need to consider this. It can't be changed.

[@joprocter4573]

Irish republicans turn cities into ghettos for republican movement.

[@joprocter4573]

Dont try.. Divorce rarely if ever works after divorce.

[@arthurgoodness7865]

I have recently watched an interview with Michael Culbert, a former PIRA terrorist who was convicted for murder during the troubles, where he outlined his vision for a New Ireland. Unfortunately the interviewer did not ask him whether the views outlined were his own or were they the shared views of SF and the republican movement. He was not in favour of simply unifying with Ireland, he wants a New Ireland - "By the way, do not think for one minute that people like me are wanting the north of Ireland to join with the south of Ireland. We want a New Ireland because we see the southern State as being quite corrupt. Do I want to get into a State where you have the same two ruling parties that have ruled corruptly under the auspices of the Catholic Church for 100 years? I don't think so. That's not what I spent 16 years in prison for, or was engaged in military activity about. Oh no. We want a new start for the people on the island of Ireland". Is this the plan for a New Ireland? Get rid of the two main political parties in Ireland and the Catholic Church? How is this going to be achieved? Over a cup a tea? It is alarming to me that Michael Culbert (and people like him as he eluded to in the interview) believe that they have a mandate from the citizens of Ireland to deliver a New Ireland. Is it arrogance on his behalf? Not sure how someone from Northern Ireland thinks that they have the right to dictate how Ireland should be run in the future. Ireland is not perfect and our politicians are not always held to account in the way that they should be. But, in my opinion, Ireland is 100 times better than Northern Ireland in many aspects and I would include politically in that assessment. If Michael wishes to create a new future for Northern Ireland, then good luck to him. But if this is selling point for a New Ireland, then I would be definitely voting against it.

[@indogoUI]

The problem with all this is that everything will need to be voted on. So these new Ireland changes would need to be tabled and then debated and voted on. People won't get a say other than how the parties already work.

[@arthurgoodness7865]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@indogoUIany Government in Ireland, even one that was been run by SF, would have to go to the people via a Referendum if they were looking to make any changes to the constitution of Ireland. If they were to bypass this requirement, then I would imagine that they would not be in power for very long. Some in Ireland may like to see a United Ireland, but not at any cost.

[@indogoUI]

@@arthurgoodness7865 What type of constitutional changes are really needed? The constitution was changed in 1998 already in terms of a united Ireland. Plus there is no mention of a referendum in the GFA when it comes to the Republic, it states a democratic vote will suffice. A referendum is mentioned for the North. A vote in the Dail would be considered a democratic vote

[@arthurgoodness7865]

@@indogoUI the changes made to the Irish Constitution in 1998 removed Irelands constitutional claim on the 6 counties of Ulster that make up Northern Ireland. Nothing to do with a United Ireland, it was an olive branch to Unionists in order to get the GFA signed. Just last week Leo Varadkar outlined the steps that would be required in order to achieve a United Ireland, one of those was the holding of a Referendum in Ireland. In simple terms, the people in Northern Ireland can only vote to make changes in Northern Ireland, they can not make decisions for Ireland. Varadkar also pointed out that he does not expect a border poll (NI) to happen any time soon as the conditions have not been met. If a border poll was called and it was a negative outcome, then the British Government may not grant another vote for generations. This could lead to even more political unrest in Northern Ireland. Some people believe that a United Ireland is inevitable, that it is just a matter of time. I don’t go along with this belief. I don’t see why it is necessary or even wanted. Why would Ireland want to take on the grief that Northern Ireland would bring? Madness. Let sleeping dogs be.

[@indogoUI]

@@arthurgoodness7865 It doesn't matter what Leo says he only has short while before he goes. Have a look at the constitution and you'll see what I am talking about, you have missed some vital text in regards to a united Ireland. The SOS won't give a vote unless there is a majority which is ever increasing, if a no vote happens it would be 7 years before the vote can happen again. So it will effectively be 7 years of campaigning

[@mialovesschliech2299]

What about the brits

[@conallgeneral8136]

Indeed

[@indogoUI]

They're on another island

[@RazorMouth]

The ones in the north that only make up 11% of the islands population? They're just the 2nd largest minority on the island. For me it's like saying, what about the Polish/Irish community or what about the Travelers community.

[@popeyesailor9571]

what about em?

[@brendanhughes1981]

Sooner the better Ireland

[@anndwyer8617]

While I would like a united Ireland, I am not ready to pay for it. Someone said (about a united Ireland) Divorce does not come with wedding presents. While this is true, it frequently comes with alimony. Britain would have to pay alimony.

[@pauliewalnuts100]

Terrible attitude to have.

[@Jcolbert123]

@Ann Dwyer I think it's a disgusting comment, not terrible. You would rather doom the people of the North to the shitshow that is Northern Ireland for fear you may have to pay more tax.... We don't know how much reunification may cost as there hasn't been a comprehensive study. The subvention to the North pays for things like the British army which Ireland would not be responsible for and money for pensions which Britain may still be liable for as the people in the North paid tax to the British exchequer. A Canadian/German study showed reunification to have a net benefit to Irish GDP.

[@DeeJayDready]

Frankly at this stage I find it hard to believe that Britain wouldn’t be falling over themselves to pay a sizeable amount of ‘alimony’ to smooth the transition and close off their fiscal responsibility to (N.)Ireland in the long term. I would also see the USA & EU also being positive financial contributors to ensure the success of the project. I think the perceived ‘cost’ of reunification is greatly overstated.

[@taintabird23]

​@@pauliewalnuts100Well, while I admire your honesty, I think your attitude is wrong headed.

[@georgebrowne5935]

There can't be any price put on the Great Injustice of firstly British Colonisation, and secondly Partition of Ireland. This is not about Our Generation, but the next and the next...

[@Protestant16907]

😂😂😂😂😂 pure talking shop omg yawn fest.omg listening to this sorry but I can’t keep my eyes open

[@asanulsterman1025]

Making sense of a United Ireland is an oxymoron.

[@conallgeneral8136]

Should it include a voluntary resettlement plan jointly sponsored by UK and Irish governments ?

[@indogoUI]

Resettlement? Back to Scotland?

[@joemdee]

As the Brits don’t really want Northern Ireland unionists I think the Irish Government will have to foot the entire resettlement bill as an incentive for the UK to take them.

[@indogoUI]

@@joemdee 😂 what to take their own planters back? They can all sit back and watch a new Ireland unfold.

[@colinmcdonough4034]

​@@joemdeethey are British citizens and would still be entitled to that citizenship after any Border Poll. As such there would be a political duty of care on the part of Westminster to cater for any Unionists who wished to resettle in GB.

[@joemdee]

@@colinmcdonough4034 we have no intention to resettle anywhere. We will always live our way in our place. But we will be happy to be an economic burden on the Irish taxpayer in a state that would never have our support. Civil disobedience, tax evasion the operation of a sterling zone will just be par for the course. We will probably elect people to the Irish parliament with the sole purpose of bringing down any government that is elected creating political instability in what would be an economically unviable state in the unlikely event that it would ever come about.