Owen Jones meets Mary Lou McDonald | 'Ireland will not be collateral damage for a Tory Brexit'

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald tells me she believes Brexit has pulled the rug from under the Northern Ireland peace process and the Good Friday agreement. She also criticises both Boris Johnson for his "ridiculous" assertions about Ireland and Theresa May's "unworkable" Brexit strategy, saying they have encouraged cross-party and cross-sectarian support for a united Ireland.
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[@DanGalla]

I'm from England and support a unified Ireland. They are our neighbours, our friends, and in many cases our family.

[@yuccatree4298]

Thankyou, kind sir. Love from Dublin 🌻

[@DublinDan]

Thank You i wish unionists in the North felt the same way a united Ireland would be easier to achieve

[@jamesfletcher7952]

Thank you 🇮🇪

[@ufoxfox4352]

We are all the one breed at the end of the day ,an thats the human breed ,im Irish and ive some great close friends and Alota family in England, we don't hate the people we hate the crown because ther ancestors started all this and she or her father never attempted to right the wrong , the political situation (which let's be fair )has no benifit to the citizens Catholic or protestant. living here or in the UK, we all suffer so some rich family can become richer,the only people that benifit is the crown and politicians, so y should we the people be fighting ,we all should be getting rid of this farce that is the current systems of government worldwide ,its all a hig scam by a handful of super rich people who frankly dont care if we starved to death so they can have more cash an power ! ,every thing that has happened regarding wars and recessions is orchestrated for them to tighten the noose on everyone, were born in debt at this stage ,that's the reality and they concuct all the new treats to distract us so we will not begin to focus on the real cause ,we've become willing sheep to a couple of people who decide wat they want from us in tax and ass fuck us on everything else 🙏👤👥,we elect then fukin pay these people to fukin tell us what we are going to do for them i under stand taxes are essential but have u e er done the math on wat it amounts to for most countrys lets just say these cunts are massively exagerating there spendings and downplaying the revenue amassed annually we work all our lives to give them half our wages an wat do u get in return ?fined if dont license a telly u paid tax on wen buying😑😠 ,come on guys wat in gods name is wrong with us all ,this has to stop ,we need to wake the fuck up , and start over with a new transparent system of government, alike a pamnel of 10 to 20 honest older and younger people men an woman making decisions and 1or 2, official represents an area lets say , then infrastructure ministers ,in Ireland we've more political staff employees than the whole USA fact , and you could drop this entire country in 1 of the great lakes over there ,now how does that come to be ?Wat are they all doing in there, how much taxpayers money goes on there vast wages an why so many ,in most states in USA that are twice the size of Ireland with twice as many citizens there's 6 to 8 people running them successfully and doing a God job of it ,so why is there a few hundred needed here ?because there part of the click and because there's not enough high pay jobs in Dublin they get into politics trew social connections and a position invented for them ,,I have to stop 😠 cus I'm losing me reason here,✌

[@ShaneC27]

Well said 👏👏

[@josephharley9448]

I'm from derry I worked in England for 15 years as a nurse. Here is a fact, the average English person does not give 2 hoots about keeping Northern Ireland as part of the union. Yes many say they heard it was a nice place and would ike to visit. Thats about it. The DUP are delusional

[@ProfileP246]

So

[@masseffect8294]

I'm from Derry too and same with me except I live in Scotland not England but most people here I know would rather ireland unified ofc I only surround myself with the wise ones

[@ProfileP246]

@@masseffect8294 and murderers?

[@masseffect8294]

@@ProfileP246 I'm sorry what? I don't understand what Ur asking me really

[@FannyShmellar]

Why would it have anything to do with England or the English people though? They are irrelevant. What matters is that the people of Northern Ireland wish to remain in the union, and as long as that is the case then they will. It’s got nothing to do with any of the other three nations.

[@mikki3562]

The real question is why should anyone accept Britain's right to colonise Ireland, or any part of It?

[@FannyShmellar]

Ireland has never been a British colony

[@Sean-sn9ld]

@@FannyShmellar ummm history would beg to differ

[@FannyShmellar]

Seán Umm no it wouldn’t. Go and read a book.

[@Sean-sn9ld]

@@FannyShmellar so what were the Ulster Plantations? What was The Pale?

[@FannyShmellar]

Seán Ireland is a part of the British isles, it’s always belonged to us in truth. Officially we only own the North, but really we still own it all.

[@Mobjob20022000]

As a political operator, I think Mary Lou is one of the savviest around

[@lookandlisten5740]

Mob job - which politician do you operate, is it by remote control, or as with Diane Abbott from inside with levers ?

[@zavi13]

"West Brit" LOL! you need to get a life Conan, even a barbarous one!

[@mauricemarian57]

Big Mc Donald's so full of shit

[@tuforu4]

ARE U JOKING..

[@franticranter]

I'm not irish and therefore so not care too much about a united ireland. However, as long as the irish people support a united ireland, so will i

[@marconatrix]

I'm sure that's how most Brits feel. Unless they have Irish relatives or some other close connection, Ireland is really no big deal, it might as well be Ruritania.

[@franticranter]

marconatrix the thing is, for me as far as i can tell, the want for a united Ireland is based on nationalism is national identity rather than economics, military reasons, ect. Because of this, not being irish and not having any irish ancestors since the 1800s, i have no irish identity of the like and so am not particularly patriotic to either side therefore meaning i side with the irish people

[@marconatrix]

Well there's the flag-waving sort of 'nationalism', which I don't have much time for. But then there's just wanting to make you own decisions in your own part of the world. Ireland isn't all that big and it's an island after all, so it really makes sense as a 'national' unit. The rest is just a hangover from British colonialism, and it's well past it's sell-by date IMO :-)

[@franticranter]

marconatrix what do you mean that "flag waving sort of nationalism? I was simply allowing the irish people to have the identity they wish to have. It's not that i don't care about ireland, i care about the whole world, just because as i believe it is based on national identity it is unfair for me to say i agree or disagree with the irish people over the national identity which isn't mine. If they want a united ireland, that's okay, if they want to stay in the UK that's also okay

[@franticranter]

TOI4PHKc i do understand the basic history od ireland and do care about it. I just want what the irish people want on their national identity of which i have no claim to. I think i phrased myself badly the first time. I didn't mean i don't care about ireland, i do and i don't want the trouble to happen again, but i have no say on a united ireland because i'm not irish. I have no claim to national identity in ireland, and so i want when it comes to a united ireland, i say what the irish people say

[@menectus8959]

Wow so impressed with Mary Lou...what an inspirational leader!! I’m a Brit expat living in the US who supports a united Ireland 🇮🇪... the time has come to unite and heal the wounds of the past!!

[@annettereddall8982]

Dont be fooled as we were ,she fully supports open borders ,she not only wants all these undocumented illegal all male migrants but she want to bring all their families too. We don't have homes for our own but government are building for all these male illegal undocumented migrants She's not fit to govern. Would trust anything she says now.

[@brucegately831]

Belfast in the 70's was an absolute nightmare. Ugly, depressing and dangerous. I went there and couldn't believe I was still in Europe. Then the EU came along and turned it into one of the loveliest cities in Europe. Lovely people, lovely gardens, lovely buildings, all made possible by the lovely money from Europe. London created the problems that lasted centuries. Because London didn't give a damn about that city, and its people so far away. Why would they want to return to the old ways?

[@whiteiceslippy143]

The u.n come into your country like they did here in EIRE. They come with the hand of peace and help and prosperity. Then when you take that help . They slap on the hand cuffs and push in all sorts of agendas and death like you never fucking seen. Mary is a mouthpiece for the elite. God Bless Ireland God Bless Irexit God Bless Brixet . Mary is hijacking the north to suit her and sf agenda. Voted for them all my life what a fucking fool I was.. The new party for Ireland is The National Party.. Wemon abortion feminazis gay agenda thats mary poo

[@ernestrogen4639]

What a load of crap We joined the EEC and that did not stop the IRA bombs and murders. They continued long after that point. Put the blame for a divided Ireland where it belongs at the feet of Irish Republicans. Ireland was one as a part of the UK republicans divided our land and peoples.

[@henryvagincourt]

Bruce Gately ~+ Who do you think paid for that, the EU? No it was the UK tax payer, billion's .

[@michaelheery7427]

Belgast is a DUMP FOR EVER... GO TO A FEW GAA MATCHES NO PROTESTANTS GO.

[@jeanferret9497]

Ignoring the poverty, unemployment and still active terrorist thugs who control the drugs, prostitution and extortion? City centre is brilliant....but the suburbs are still divided.

[@davidbosquette6604]

She is very smart and articulate 😁 I wish British people would listen to her and hear the truth.

[@annettereddall8982]

Here's the truth. As a former SF voter it's come to light she believes in bring in all these undocumented illegal migrants and in time all the family and extended ones too. She's get at spinning a yarn

[@ronaldpolaver2053]

Mary Lou is a very astute and intelligent person. She is the right leader for Sinn Feinn at this time, not just because she is a level-headed Republican, but also very fair when it comes to discussing the new Ireland that would arise from a reunification. She rightly says that this new Ireland wouldn't be a Catholic Nationalist Ireland, but a progressive European Ireland in the culture of which Orangemen and Protestantism and even Unionism has a place... also let's not lose sight of the fact that the Republic of Ireland is far away from its origins as a conservative Catholic country...

[@mozie9316]

Mores the pity,! The modern Ireland is not really a Happy Ireland, more suicides, mental health problems and homelessness and racism, yes the living standards are higher, but the people have changed.

[@bernardpearce3478]

@@mozie9316 I wonder how many times she mentioned Change, Mozie.

[@paulgalligan1916]

Our revenge will be the laughter of our children..

[@nhrrsn]

I'm not a big fan of Sinn Fein, but Mary Lou is really impressive. I wonder did all the people referring to "terrorists" even watch the interview? I think we all know the likely answer to that...

[@joermundgand]

Ian Harrison. Though I'm not an arab speaker, but I've been informed by those who can speak arab that Osama Bin Laden spoke beautiful classical Arabic.

[@joermundgand]

Brendan Gavaghan. Eamon de Valera, Roman Catholc church granted constitutional power, provided the pretext for civil strife, in a such strife there are only villains.

[@joermundgand]

Brendan Gavaghan. You claim Valera was Spanish, he was Irish and a catholic nationalist, the nationalists had many villains, were the Omagh bomber heroes when they murdered the innocents, their targets were women and children, the old and infirm, nationalist and loyalist. Deluded fool, fanatic.

[@joermundgand]

Brendan Gavaghan. I'm not a tory and I haven't said a single thing that is even remotely racist. Finding joy in the misery of others is a hallmark of the murderous fanatic. Europe is a fiction entertained by the deluded and it serves the wealthy, it is not for those who barely gets by.

[@joermundgand]

Brendan Gavaghan. There is very little good in you, you seem to be a fanatic, an arrogant smug fanatic who have dreams of violence without ever having experienced it, have you ever felt that sick iron taste in your mouth after.

[@TheKinkLink]

It makes me wish Sinn Fein would take their seats in parliament and put their point over in PMQ where it is televised and the British public would hear and have to listen to why a hard Brexit just cannot happen for the sake of Nothern Ireland and the peace process. The mainstream media just cover up this issue and the British public don't realise how serious it would be. Of course I understand the political reasons why Sinn Fein don't take their seats and I understand why the British media don't give Sinn Fein any airtime (it doesn't suit their pro brexit agenda) so well done Owen for providing a platform for them to raise their concerns. I'm not going to give an opinion on whether Ireland should be united, that is for Irish people to decide and us Brits have no right in deciding that, we have already interfered for far too long.

[@PaulMuzik]

It will never happen, The irish people have swore to never pledge allegiance to the british crown... But will accept as an united Ireland to be friends with the british and live side by side in peace AS LONG as Ireland is united

[@Emerald007007]

You do have a point. But you must remember Sinn Feinn have seven elected MPs that can take seats in Westminster. The Scottish National Party have 40 elected MPs when was the last time you heard a Scottish MP even speak at Westminster or even an MP from Wales speak? Sinn Fein will have to take an oath to the queen which no Sinn Feinn will ever ever do. Neither will any Irish person. That will never happen. If Sinn Fein take an Oath to the Queen they know that it will always be used to control them.

[@francisryan1845]

We serve no parliment but an irish parliment

[@fastcomputerrepairs]

Southern Irish are a little scared about forcing 1 million Unionists against their will into a United Ireland. Most of us never wanted that armed campaign - it was a tiny minority who were active. The Good Friday Agreement though is sacred to us, and if Brexit is a threat to our Peace and Stability, then we can open our minds to the possibility of a United Ireland with the European Union fully involved during the transition. NI should retain their separate province with a separate devolved government. Just economic union only. Also, regarding the abstention policy of Sinn Fein from the Westminster parliament, that is because we Irish will never give recognition to a outdated privileged by birth family who remain amazingly to this day in a position of power without any say of the people, and only due to tradition - one which the British people should quickly bring to an end, the sooner the better.

[@rafa1892]

We in Ireland get to see PMQ's and how shambolic Ian Blackford and the SNP gets treated. Sinn Fein get elected on the promise that they won't take their seats in Westminster .

[@SeamusOCleirigh2002]

Great interview! I'm Irish, I was born in Dublin, lived here all my life, and I 100% support a unified, inclusive and democratic united Ireland !

[@darev6780]

Piss off with your socialism bs

[@seanmagee5669]

@@darev6780Oh really! We'll have the "red flag" flying here, In our nre 32 County Socialist Republican utopia. The Tric' and Jack both obsolete. Fk, the world will end. 😨--😂

[@darev6780]

@@seanmagee5669 i guarantee you are the kind of chap that reports "offensive alt -right memes " on platforms such as facebook. Lol

[@MrPhilreilly]

I am very much in favour of a united Ireland.

[@johnking5174]

You live in England I guess?

[@michaelheery7427]

@Straight White British Protestant its failed state i always heard,.

[@DeclinedMercy]

When someone says they're British, ask them if they're Scoti, Cymric or Anglo-Saxon

[@bjpcorp]

Nevermind the fact that Northern Ireland's government have been MIA for over a year, the illegal occupation in Ireland has caused hundreds of years of corruption and trouble still to this day. The reunification of Ireland is the only end to the troubles...

[@soarux1054]

Despite the fact that majority of the North wants to remain in the United Kingdom? Sure pull them out of it... that'll end the trouble

[@bjpcorp]

That's like saying the majority of thieves should be allowed to keep their loot!

[@joermundgand]

You are insane.

[@zavi13]

@Aaron That unionist majority is down to 52/53% of total now and decreasingly, the 2021 census will show how if it even exists anymore? The unionists need to decide if they want to be part of a united, democratic Ireland with the EU, or whether they wish to repatriate to the lands of their ancestors in the UK?

[@SH-lm6ek]

zavi13 - it takes two to tango, even if a majority in Northern Ireland were in favour of reunification at some point in the future, would a majority in the Republic of Ireland share that view? Economically it doesn't make sense, Northern Ireland is heavily subsidised by British tax payers, would Ireland be prepared to take that burden on?

[@thomascarmichael6659]

Big supporter of a United Ireland here! Much love from Belfast for what you're doing here Owen!

[@michaelrowsell1160]

Many of my friends are from N Ireland and they think they are British. Their father fought for Britain against the Nazis and Ireland did not. You do not understand the depth of feeling on this issue.

[@thomascarmichael6659]

I'm literally from Belfast mate. I think I grasp how strongly unionists and loyalists feel about their identity. Regardless I still support a United Ireland because I feel equally as strong regarding my Irish identity and believe we would be better represented in government under an all Ireland Republic.

[@tvc1567]

I wholeheartedly support a united Ireland, it would solve centuries of unfair oppression upon the Irish people and create, I believe, a stronger Ireland and a much stronger relationship with Britain.

[@paulpaul8861]

Yeah, the Irish are so oppressed that the women have to come to Britain to have abortions.

[@anthonyburke3428]

paul paul no the women of NI which is part of the UK have to!

[@paulpaul8861]

I suggest you educate yourself on the abortion laws of the ROI.

[@tvc1567]

WhyOWhy There will always be those who disagree as part of a democracy but I think the majority would support a referendum :)

[@anthonyburke3428]

paul paul I suggest you do! There was a referendum in Ireland and the laws are being changed!

[@yuenkoi]

I support a United Republic of Ireland. Mary Lou MacDonald is very impressive. Respect to her.

[@glynconlon1629]

She is an inspiration. We have no leading politicians in Britain who can communicate as clearly or as intelligently

[@Jay_No]

Amazing interview. I totally support a united Ireland, it is long overdue. The hoodwinked Brits need to let go of their prejudices created from lies and hypocrisy and let Ireland be. ✌🏻

[@oliversmith5415]

Jason Noble I'm English and I totally agree!

[@SH-lm6ek]

Northern Ireland is subsidised to the hilt by British tax payers, so i'm pretty sure the UK government would be quite happy to see a united Ireland, but I don't see the Republic wanting to take on that burden either? Would there really be a majority of people in the Republic of Ireland that would support a united Ireland, i've spoken to quite a few people when i've been over with work, and I didn't get the impression that many would be in favour, I could be wrong though?

[@michaelrowsell1160]

Many of my friends are from N Ireland and they think they are British. Their father fought for Britain against the Nazis and Ireland did not. You do not understand the depth of feeling on this issue.

[@pringlewheel]

In a united Ireland they would have every right to identify as British and celebrate it, they would also have the right to identify as Irish too, if they so wished. And they'd have the luxury of knowing that British or Irish they would have a hand in shaping and moulding a united Ireland.

[@johnwalsh3635]

You are misled mate. The Brits would be delighted to see NI become part of Ireland. It us the Unionists of NI which prevent that happening, not the Brits.

[@yuenkoi]

Big respect to Mary Lou MacDonald

[@johnmclaughlin7897]

Being a Catholic born in the north of Ireland I support it.

[@johnking5174]

You can support the idea of a united Ireland, but reality check is, the 26 counties will reap a whirlwind of death and mayhem from the loyalist groups, who will find weapons and use them to show those who have felt sale down south what the 6 counties felt during the troubles. Mayhem and civil war will happen. Also, what happens if there is a no vote for a united Ireland, how would Sinn Fein accept that?

[@johnmclaughlin7897]

John King the chairman of the whole of Sinn Fein lives in the same village as me and I went to a Sinn Fein meeting there where he talked in detail about the current situation. He seemed extremely confident of a upcoming referendum and mentioned how sinn Fein were going to put forward cases in court that there is enough demand for a referendum. About that civil war I really doubt much protestants would even care especially the younger generation who during the troubles led the line. I'm a teenager and Catholic from Derry and no Catholics or protestants really care about that stuff. I mean I'm sure protestants would oppose a united Ireland but doubt many would try and start a war.

[@johnking5174]

Never say never, as you don't know the mind of the ardent loyalist. LVF and UDAare very scary and are still there, they have not gone away you know.

[@johnmclaughlin7897]

John King they're mainly just drug dealing gangs that fight among each other though. Unionist groups kill each other more than Catholics these days. But yes, I expect they would resist a united Ireland.

[@johnking5174]

Don't under estimate them. They are mainly drug dealers now, because there is some form of stability and we are still in the UK. The day after a United Ireland vote is passed they will regroup and start planning their war on the south of Ireland. That is why the Irish government are terrified to have a vote. The talk the talk, but never walk the walk.

[@yrowley699]

I believe in the unification and independence of all 32 counties of Ireland from Britain.

[@emoryking5278]

As an Irish American I am very proud of Maru Lou. I don,t pretend to understand the catch 22,s in trying to broker an agreement that must succed in the wake of 900 years of suppresion however she has my confidence. Don,t forget the power of prayear.

[@joprocter4573]

She's a foreign political leader from ROI.. its like Russia popping over to dictate to you

[@MeAndTheBoys_]

@@joprocter4573 Except she is from the same country, hence the names Republic of IRELAND and Northern IRELAND. See how easy that was? Sinn Fein, babyyyyy!

[@ardri31]

@@joprocter4573 😂😂👎

[@PiarasMcGroggan8070]

@@joprocter4573 yous are the patriots of Britain that don't even call it home

[@joprocter4573]

@@PiarasMcGroggan8070 it was home we were denied so we made NI a small home. What more do you want

[@Jason-Peters]

I'd certainly support a united Ireland if that's what the majority wanted there. Love Ireland, North and South... Would be cool to remove all barriers to friendship.

[@higgins007]

Nationalists would tell you that a majority already DO want a united Ireland, and always have done. The north was carved up artificially and purposely calculated to include a majority of Unionists within the region. Using this technique, you can manufacture any "majority" you want. Having said that, it wont be long before the majority of people within the current Northern Ireland borders want a united Ireland anyway. It's just a matter of time. (I come from a Unionist background, btw)

[@mozie9316]

@@higgins007 I agree , and also part of the problem that makes Ireland unique is: it is a small island and is ridiculous to have it devided ; six counties / twenty six counties .and that is the purely clinical practical way af looking at it, and not taking in the political and emotional side which is paramount to it, so it is understandable why it is so difficult to solve. The great Irishman Michael Collins surely would never have guessed how much conflict and blood spilt since he agreed to the deal , which we believe he fought hard to get and then to be murdered by his fellow irishmen . so no wonder it is so difficult to solve nowadays , compromise is needed on both sides and trust also . which is lacking too

[@crevrath7374]

Huge respect for Mary Lou . Her take on Brexit and the toxic DUP is spot on.

[@unclecrackhead397]

If Boris gets his no deal, Ireland are fucked.

[@cgmat7804]

The Good Friday Agreement was a stroke of genius that largely solved 800 years of conflict, in essence it meant that you could choose to be Irish, British or neither. Also the EU membership meant that we had common laws with GB and Ireland and were closely connected. BREXIT is a wrecking ball to all that, the consequences could be far reaching

[@joprocter4573]

Which should terminate now country more than 100yrs old

[@rowdogspeaks5900]

As much as I don't want to see the break up of the United Kingdom, an independent Scotland and Ireland is probably not too far into the future. I applaud both countries for putting up with the imperialist and arrogant Westminster bubble for such a long time. I wouldn't blame them if they decided to go it alone, they'd probably be much more successful compared to what Little England will end up being.

[@marconatrix]

Spot on there, Rowdog. Maybe there's hope for England yet ;-)

[@Dimera09]

Scotland and NI have benefited enormously from UK membership. More than England arguablely.

[@zavi13]

@Joseph, That's a highly dubious proposition.

[@SH-lm6ek]

Joseph G - so why doesn't England hold it's own independence referendum, if it's so hard done by as part of the UK?

[@ChuckChuckWood]

+Joseph G You do realise there was some trouble in Northern Ireland, right? You'll never guess what it was about...

[@catchyerselfoffgibbo8039]

I live in the north of Ireland, I hold an Irish passport, I'm Irish, what's the problem ?

[@mike-wi8wm]

Dam she's a comrade. Cheers for this interview Owen, going keep checking out Mary Lou McDonald!

[@scorpioninpink]

Of course she is a comrade. Sinn Fein is a Socialist Party and Mary Lou is openly Socialist.

[@PaulMuzik]

United Ireland needs to happen.... we need and want our country back.

[@gkelly34]

A united Ireland is an inevitability, the majority of the uk population would support it I have no doubt whatsoever..

[@johnking5174]

Think about the one million angry loyalists affected, and think about the LVF, UDA and other loyalist groups who will ruin the rest of Ireland with their violence if a united Ireland happens. It will be a civil war, which will ruin Ireland and cause Britain a massive headache too. Words are easy to say, living in reality is key.

[@gkelly34]

John King and their cause would be? To redivide Ireland? To make Northern Ireland British again? The war would be over and they would know it. I’m sure they would get their heads around the new reality pretty quickly..

[@zavi13]

The loyalists are just like the White Afrikaners who threatened they would start a bloodbath if black majority rule was implemented, and it came to nothing. The unionists would make up around 1/7 of the population of a united Ireland and would have to decide to stay part of pluralist, democratic modern Ireland or repatriate to the lands of their ancestors, it's their choice on that score.

[@johnking5174]

Well, thankfully that day will not happen. You have been waiting since 1922, and you will still wait. Reality check, no British government will ever give a referendum, they have the example of Brexit to show what a disaster it can be. The Irish government does not want the north, they talk the talk, but do sod all. Eamonn DeValera was all talk and no action. Jack Lynch saying he would not stand idly by in 1969, and did just that. You trust your Irish government to give a referendum? No. So, it is power sharing, respect for all traditions, and hopefully both unionists and nationalists working together, to reverse the cuts and stupidity of a Tory government.

[@DeclinedMercy]

@@johnking5174 Brexit is only a trainwreck because it was poorly thought out. There is nothing fundamentally wrong about Brexit, except for where it applies to Northern Ireland.

[@ajomcx2923]

Love Mary Lou she will achieve a United Ireland 💚🇮🇪

[@derekmcgookin3597]

What a place a united Ireland would be, so many lovely people in one island, no more fighting, the world is our oyster, we would be the envy of the world, coming from hell to heaven.

[@SophieCismyname]

Great Interview. Thanks Owen - you have a real skill of putting your interviewees at ease while asking excellent questions. As reflected here, Mary Lou is an intelligent, progressive, real world leader we need more of. This kind of amicable and informative discourse between a British Journalist and Irish Republican has been totally absent in British Media and Politics. More broadly, what we can garner from this is that English politics needs to examine its imperialist past and take ownership (starting with the curriculum...) - only in that self reflection can the bewilderment of the current political climate and leadership be understood, and actions then taken to progress and move beyond an identity marred by Imperialism, colonialism and exceptionalism.

[@francenjensen608]

Mary Lou is brilliant!

[@steveburn8125]

She is:) I think Owen is a bit star struck 🤩

[@MichaelScott261]

Love to Sinn Fein from the UK 🇬🇧 🇮🇪

[@MichaelScott261]

@@SirMrShanks I am indeed. They won the popular vote in the last election because their policies favoured average people. People weren't voting for the IRA. I'm aware of all 116 years of Sinn Féins history.

[@philipconnolly748]

@@SirMrShanks you are aware that the violence in the six counties erupted from a denial of basic human rights? Do you stand over such denial of human rights?

[@joecully5761]

@@SirMrShanks and you are aware of the British empires history right?

[@MichaelScott261]

@Oliver Higgins nah

[@flowerofscotland8839]

@Oliver Higgins What's the point you're trying to make? Both of us want independence from Westminster. That's it.

[@kennylloyd7645]

Great interview Owen. I'm an active fractivist, and Brexit means we have lost the E.U. regulations/regulators that hold the oil and gas corporations to account for all the damage they cause. Also, my great, great uncle, Clem Kelly, served under Michael Collins in the Cork brigade of the I.R.A. and I would love to see Ireland united again. Check out my KZbin channel Truthferretfilms and you will see the revolution in action. Take care brother, and keep the faith

[@joermundgand]

In order to unite Ireland you would have to murder app 150,000 human beings, good luck.

[@cosmicman621]

No One b.s

[@AdamSich]

Big thanks to Josh Toussaint-Strauss and Shay Notelovitz for stepping in and filming this while I was in the Isle of Man filming something else.

[@flake452]

Very working class names there.

[@joermundgand]

Did you purge the connection to Getty images, a new low.

[@rassawhelan6045]

Don't be such a corn flake its only Mary Lou .. I had to turn off pal couldn't sit through it.

[@pauldunneska]

Rassa Eyeswideopen Whelan You a Westbrit?

[@rassawhelan6045]

Ive never been so offended ahahah

[@catherinesheridan4816]

From Australia, descended from the Chief McGuire/Maguire family, who fled our lands in Fermanagh to avoid starvation and oppression, the answer is a clear YES. And, please hand back our Castle at Enniskillen. The Irish are by nature a tolerant and peaceful people, but political mischief-makers in successive centuries, deployed religious differences as the weapon to turn Irishman against his neighbour. A fragmented people are easier to conquer. The Irish people have moved beyond fighting to maintain divisiveness. It is now time for consolidation of the Irish as a whole nation.

[@cartmann227]

A smart woman👍🏼

[@patriciabranigan713]

Ireland is always collateral damage for England.

[@mikestack378]

Patricia Branigan the English could stop occupying Ireland. Problem solved

[@BENTWOONEZERO]

Mike Stack Your confusing occupy and elect.

[@mikestack378]

By elect you mean the island of Ireland voting in 1918 in favour of independent and the UK artificially creating a "British" colony that proceeded to discriminate against the native population? Sure if you think so

[@BENTWOONEZERO]

The people in Ireland want to be independent mostly, the people in northern Ireland mostly want to be part of the UK. It was a compromise to stop a civil war.

[@thetroyzernator]

It was a compromise that heavily favoured unionists. Some of the counties both then and now have nationalist majorities and were included in the North because Unionists were trying to balance their demographic domination with an economically viable state. Derry for example then as now has a huge nationalist majority and is right on the Donegal border but was included in the North, why? Same goes for Newry. The other thing is that ultimately unionists in the North are descendants of colonists. Can you imagine if Whites living in former African colonies would have been able to carve out their own white dominated territories during decolonisation? It would be completely unacceptable.

[@glennmcmaster8036]

Okay, here is a easy answer to the issue. If you relate to Irish, you are Irish!! If you relate to British the leave Ireland and go to Britain and be with those who are like that. Why live in a place in which you don't support???

[@McFraneth]

What a soft rounded accent she has. Like a happy fruity Pomerol wine. She rolls the words round in her mouth as if she's tasting them. Such a lovely accent. Sorry, just totally distracted by her lovely lovely way of speaking. Not a sharp angle anywhere.

[@buttmusk]

Wine tastes like shit and she sounds like a terrorist sympathiser...

[@kathybramley5609]

But the relationship between the Ulster accent and dialect in English and the Ulster dialect of Gaelic is interesting.

[@kathybramley5609]

That's good to know, i wouuldn't have been able to place it! I just knew it wasn't the typical kind of accent we associate with ulster politics that might have become unfairly entagled between how we value it as a voice and as an accent and what we expect from it. There are lots of swings and roundabouts when it comes to linguistic diversity: protecting diversity and richness is really important however it sounds. Those swings and roundabouts don't justify anything horrible happening, of course. But it's worth always questioning the aesthetics of polarisatin, politically charged charachterisations, potentially. I mean nobody else could have a voice like Paisley - thank god.

[@Coldnewton]

EMB 2017; Middle class, just like Owen Jones you mean.

[@brianm2881]

I just hear an accent that's pretty neutral and where words are well-enunciated. There's nothing necessarily wrong with being well-spoken, especially in a job like a politician or broadcaster where you're likely aiming to be easily understood by as many people as possible. It's not really 'super establishment'. You'll notice the same thing happen to ordinary people if/when they have to give a formal speech or presentation, or attend a job interview.

[@tomasdevaney5739]

We come together for rugby and look at what we achieve, a united team! a team like any other team, a team that has to work hard at in every aspect, like any other team. To Achieve the goals of everyone they represent. The same goals as them selfs? The goals to get better and to bring everyone with them on that goal. We have to work together regardless of political, from many different backgrounds, Catholic, protestant, atheism, rich or poor, Educated, non-educated, any adversity that life gives to any single individual, we represent them, and where we come from! this only a metaphor, but geographically we are stronger by the small parts of who we are. This what makes up the biggest part of who we can be united, if we all come and achieve this together, Are cultures might be different, but they could end up being similar and on the same path a brighter future for all of use on this small island. I don't expect anyone to read this but maybe one will.

[@McFraneth]

I totally support a united Ireland and self-determination. I think Northern Ireland is an anachronism (as I do Gibraltar and the Falklands), and GB should do the decent thing and let the Irish decide their future. As Mrs McDonald says, it's not an act of hostility, it's just that people manage best their affairs themselves.

[@inTHEwrongGENERATION]

You don't support self-determination because all three of the places you mentioned want to remain part of the UK.

[@jammyjamjars6995]

A majority still wish to remain with the UK and as a nationalist living in a democratic society, I have to accept that fact. I believe that eventually there will be unification with the south, but not in my lifetime...

[@buttmusk]

How about the UK's right to self-determination ? The EU hardly cares about people , for them it's all about doctrine , power and money . I am looking forward to the EU , with their unelected 'dictators' being consigned to the dustbin of history...

[@anthonyburke5677]

Walter Khayyam never going to happen.

[@01dl2373]

Walter Khayyam, United with the south, Under British rule, really we have seen what British rule has done to Ireland in the past, so dream on it will never happen.

[@bojojojo913]

I've had a quick rundown through the comments and it's so refreshing to see the opinions of some British people who are starting to realise the problems that Britain has bestowed upon our nation down the centuries. (this is not meant as an anti- Brit rant). Obviously the whole Brexit debacle has focused a lot of attention on the border in Ireland, and if some people learn something from that, well surely that can only be good. It's most likely that the commenters are relatively young, which hopefully bodes well for future politics and open- mindedness, unlike what we've been putting up with for so long. Just take a look at one of those Brexit debates (on TV) in the commons FFS.

[@taintabird23]

An intelligent comment. I concur with your views.

[@unclecrackhead397]

Bet your shitting bricks now Boris is in😂

[@tomcas411]

Really enjoying your interviews Owen. Keep up the good work. It's nice to see a journalist who represents the people of the country.

[@roham2806]

As a liverpudlian i fully support a united Ireland if thats what the people want. I don't see any other way really.

[@lookandlisten5740]

Matt Lewis - good of you to point out you're a Liverpudlian, because you're opinion would mean f**k all otherwise

[@brianmckenna79]

In a united Ireland we should take Liverpool and Glasgow with us! YNWA

[@jeanferret9497]

Please take Liverpool...but....do you really want that much crime and violence? Ireland couldn't afford the unemployment benefits and policing costs.

[@richardgill3922]

@@brianmckenna79 i.imgur.com/L253EGG.jpg

[@unclecrackhead397]

Barn dog ... you can take the dirty scousers tomorrow mate

[@jacqdeguernsey1816]

Support.

[@brianeduardo1234]

The DUP want to break the Good Friday Agreement - and they see Brexit as their opportunity and as long as they prop up the British Government they will never return to the Assembly in NI and to that extent Sinn Fein badly miscalculated.

[@thomasbonner8464]

Excellent!!

[@warrenpaine]

Mary Lou McDonald sounds like she'd make a terrific Taoiseach of Ireland. I wish her well as an Irish-American.

[@nigfheac]

warrenpaine don’t be fooled by one interview - from an Irish persons perspective she’s very polarising

[@amandadublin3129]

God no... thankfully you can't vote... as an Irish person I find that idea bloody terrifying.

[@waywed]

The current Republic and Northern Ireland relationship is a good one. Brexit is set to destroy that. The only hope is for a united Ireland with a semi-autonomous north. This is less than what the extremists want on both sides but all that can be realistically made to work.

[@Mac_an_Mheiriceanaigh]

I'm not sure about that. I would love to hear what a united ireland would actually look like. There are parts of the north that would not want autonomy. But there are parts that would. But would autonomy just perpetuate divisions? I wish there were a video exploring these questions.

[@waywed]

I agree, it would be good to see the topic explored more. I suppose the basic fear of Unionists is being subsumed in an integrated Ireland - even if the north continued to have significant autonomy. There must be some way, however, of crafting a constitutional arrangement that guarantees an ongoing identity and affiliation with the UK - including citizenship - for those that want that. As a citizen of the Republic of Ireland I suppose I am not impartial, however I know the history and the deeply held views of the Unionist cause. Intractable as it all seems, there must be a way forward .........

[@mcgrudo]

Type third way ulster into google nimrods

[@johnnicolson467]

Who will be first to leave the UK N Ireland or Scotland?

[@danielbentham758]

"to hospital" hahaha only one way

[@Rhhdtjkudbn]

It is quite farcical for you to call this a "Tory Brexit" when the Labour leadership has supported the government the whole way through. Labour doesn't have an independent Brexit policy.

[@BDaMonkey]

Alistair Wessex And yet, it doesn't matter because labour aren't in power.

[@Mac_an_Mheiriceanaigh]

He means 'brexit as currently negotiated and planned by the conservative party'

[@everready2903]

Corbyn said Labour will vote against any deal that is worse than the current benefits of E.U. membership.

[@patrickspoint]

Brexit is a Tory Party production Period

[@jasonmckittrick8022]

Sell me it, i live in Northern Ireland, so tell me how my life will be better in a 1 island state

[@pm3157]

Jason Mckittrick it will be easier to address issues that will actually effect you. If you’re unionist why are you against a United Ireland?

[@jasonmckittrick8022]

P M what do you mean easier to get things done? In what respect? To be fair the ownis is on those who call for a 1 island state to sell it not on the ones who is to remain in the UK. But in response to your question You will have a significant minority in what would become the north that are unionist who would as both sides do now block everything. The other side proposes. If history is anything to go by then the protestant community would become marginalised and victimised as they were in the early 20s as the new irish free state sought about removing them in what could be call genocide but is referred to as the secterian killings of the 1920s. Also in todays economic terms, ireland is growing yes but can it successfully absorb the cost of n. Ireland? Northern ireland cost the uk 1.5 billion to maintain current standards thats after the n.i taxation contribution has paid into the exchequer. Also health and social care in r.o.i carries etc cost, not free at the point of delivery as is the nhs, water charges, cost for public services are greater the fire service public transport etc. Education system is still largely run by the Catholic Church. I can go on if you wish, but its not up to me to say why i don't want to change it is up to those who want to change to show that people lives will be better off financially, socially, economically and so on.

[@pm3157]

Jason Mckittrick what I meant by last reply is what sort of things will effect you. I can ramble on about the benefits of a United Ireland all night but not every point will be relevant to you. My apologies I wasn’t clear on that. The unionist politicians won’t block everything because they’ll be working on making the lives better for the people in their constituency. I’m sure many unionists would just vote for parties like Fine Gael after unification anyways. There is also a unionist politician in the Seanad already. In Ireland (south) we’re not very religious. No one cares what religion you are. I have classmates who are Protestant and literally no one cares about that and they’re not treated any differently for it. The sectarianism that exists in the north does not exist down here and will likely stop in the north with unification. Ireland is more than capable of taking on NI. It is the 6th richest country in the world and has had the fastest growing economy in the eurozone for the past 4 consecutive years. Ireland will also get increased funding from the EU to deal with the north. Including the €6m a year that Northern Ireland will lose after Brexit. A United ireland is projected to bring in an economic boost of €36m in the first 8 years. In Ireland healthcare is not as expensive as the unionist community seems to believe. We have free public healthcare but you can pay if you want which will allow you to go to private hospitals and faster seeing times. If you earn over a certain amount of money you must also pay for GP and prescription costs. Water charges are no longer implemented and everybody who payed has received a refund from the state. There was too much opposition to them. Public transport is better in the republic. Much better. A United ireland would improve rail networks interconnecting existing lines. Particularly serving the north west of the island and the mid ulster area. Look at a rail map of the island and you will see lack of infrastructure in that area. Same with roads. Roads in the republic are kept up to date better and the surface seems to be a lot less worn down than what I’ve seen in the north. The education system is the 6th best in the world. The U.K. does not even reach top 10. The education system definitely is not run by the Catholic Church. Following controversies our opinion of the church and it’s influence has greatly diminished. Financially, socially and economically people are better in a United ireland. Northern Ireland is a poor, unprogressive, backwards state. People in the south are much richer. I know many northerners who sought jobs across the border because of better pay and conditions. Jobs they now have to give up over Brexit. The benefits of a United Ireland far outway the disadvantages and people are realising that. It’s inevitable that the island will be united in 5-10 years. Maybe even earlier due to Brexit.

[@ballycally]

Free buns every Tuesday

[@ballycally]

Are you a unionist Jason? I believe there's a great shortage of dialogue between nationalists like myself and unionists and an awful lot of ignorance stems from this, breeding ignorance. I find it fascinating to hear of this purge orchestrated by the free state against you people. Do you realise that I would have the mirror image perspective? Irish trapped in Ireland behind an undemocratic border and the deprived of employment and political representation at the careful and cunning design of the unionist government in Stormont. Please don't think I'm having a go at you, I'm genuinely interested in your perspective. And while I can say I'm a nationalist, I'm a cautious one. Our living standards would drop by 15% because of the 25% NI GDP paid by Westminster if we were to unite. Also, we really don't have sectarianism down here. I've encountered it in NI and Scotland, never in Wales, England or the Republic. We'd lose our flag, our anthem etc.etc. so unification is not the prize some people think it is. I'd like unionists to know that I don't want to take anything from them. But as an idealist I would love us to get along. I would love if friendship and respect led to a future where I could bring my kids to Belfast on the 12th to enjoy the parades and it was devoid of bigotry and triumphalism and was simply one of the two cultures on the island celebrating a rich history. And I would love if unionists looked forward to All Ireland Final day in Croke Park. We've interfered with each other destructively for a long time, I think we can change that completely. There are no free buns, I lied.

[@kellylloyd5783]

Owen Jones knows nothing about Ireland or the border. The fact that brexit cannot and will not happen in any meaningful sense until Ireland is unified means the talk in between now and unification is just talk.

[@silkygirl699]

Great Interview..well done..

[@Coldnewton]

''Tory Brexit'.............? You mean the Brexit that the vast majority of Labour voters for, in the working class areas of the midlands and north of England....................Owen? Remember them?

[@taintabird23]

No. The Brexit that was supposed to end a civil war in the Tory party.

[@TheShepTV]

No, the Brexit being implemented by the Tories.

[@Mac_an_Mheiriceanaigh]

As TheShepTV mentioned, when he says "Tory Brexit" he is referring to Brexit as managed/implemented by the Conservative party. Not implying that Brexit is a project exclusively desired by conservatives

[@craigtomkinson8766]

Yes and it will be those people of the Midlands and the North that will suffer from Brexit companies are leaving UK now so what will it be like afterwards. People in Britain have been lied to and a lot of disinformation from the far right has made the UK more divided and isolated than ever.

[@unclecrackhead397]

Craig Tomkinson ... there was a helluva lot of bullshit from the remain side as well.

[@craigmorrison5544]

He nods so much lol

[@lookandlisten5740]

Craig Morrison - he's just acknowledging how right he is.

[@craigmorrison5544]

look and listen I know. I love me some Owen Jones.

[@unclecrackhead397]

Cos he’s a yes man, always has been

[@robinirwin9602]

Mary Lou is a gift to Ireland and England. The Tories should pay cognisance to her and Sinn Feigh.

[@simonkelly7056]

How can a so called Nationalist party such as sinn fein oppose the British peoples vote for independence from the EU ?

[@aperson22222]

I’m sure no one in the comments will try to conflate Sinn Fein with terrorism.

[@paulpaul8861]

The former leader of Sinn Fein called the IRA 'freedom fighters'. This is the sort of people Owen hangs out with.

[@aperson22222]

paul paul Damn, and here I was so sure. 😟

[@paulpaul8861]

sorry

[@luked3717]

paul paul how are they not

[@paulpaul8861]

You think the IRA who killed many innocent people including children were freedom fighters?

[@ince55ant]

emm british soldiers regularly harrassed and beat my family so yeah, i think im down for a united ireland. bit worried about these "economically anxious" protestants tho

[@joermundgand]

I think they are right to be anxious, after independence the Irish State allowed the Roman Catholic Church to take over the entire educational system, which then caused the protestant supporters of independence to switch sides, this fact is among the things that aren't taugh in Irish schools. They are however taught in Danish schools. I mean the argument presented here by this Sinn Fein moron is idiotic, the majority of the population in Ireland(the geographical entity) supports unification, in Northern Ireland the majority support British rule, using the argument of this Sinn Fein idiot could be aplied in any number of ways, the majority of Canadians and Americans support a single North American state, therefore Canada should become a part of the United States, the majority of all people in the Indian sub continent supports a unified Indian sub continent, therefore India, Bangladesh and Pakistan should be unified.

[@zavi13]

I think your argument is idiotic, hardly anybody in Canada is looking for a single North American state, ditto with Pakistan/India. In the North of Ireland the unionist majority is now wafer-thin (52-53%) and declining in each census, so much so that it may no longer exist by the 2021 census. After that keeping Ireland divided is being done to suit a minority even with NI itself!

[@joermundgand]

zavi13. You are correct that a majority of Canadians do not desire to become a part of the US, some desire an independent Quebec, some in the great plains provinces of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan desire to become a part of the US, check it out if you don't believe me. That's a plurality lost, not a plurality gained by the opposing point of view, a great many people are indifferent because they consider the issue settled.

[@joermundgand]

zavi13. Let's imagine somebody who imigrated to Northern Ireland after the good friday agreement, this person hasn't chosen a "side", this is an individual who simply believes that he or she lives in Northern Ireland.

[@eikegehrts1773]

She is so right! 1922: Division of Ireland by the Anglo-Irish treaty, signed by Michael Collins, that tragic hero of the Irish War of Independence 2022: Reunion of Ireland (and I mean, a real reunion, not like the so-called German "reunification" in 1990), due to Brexit = history's biggest "Staircase wit".

[@alexodonnell88]

Like your interview style. She spoke well.

[@LaurenceGill2000]

There are only protestants in Northern Ireland because of the stealing of Catholic land in 1609 known as the Scottish Plantation of Ulster.

[@johnking5174]

Jesus mate, check your facts

[@irishpride2993]

It's more Catholic there now. I'm from the Republic of Ireland and even i know this Lawrence Gill. I'm guessing you are not from the Island of Ireland

[@seandoherty925]

I think Laurence means the only reason there are Protestants in NI rather than there are Protestants and Protestants only in NI. He may be right but it's not that relevant really. After 400 years the why and wherefore is not that relevant surely! They are there and at this stage must be considered as Irish as anyone else on the Island. Or as British as anyone living in GB as they may prefer to see it. If there is a united Ireland, it will have to be based on the ideas contained within the Good Friday agreement. As Nationalists now have a right to choose Irish citizenship within NI, so Unionists will still be allowed to choose to retain their British citizenship in any agreed New Ireland.

[@michaelheery7427]

@Straight White British Protestant irish famine ,.

[@PaulMuzik]

That protestant plantation came from England... Started in England, went to the north then the north came to ireland. Scotland is NOT and WILL NEVER be an enemy of Ireland.

[@suppeople9987]

can you interview jacob rees mogg on brexit and his conservative beliefs

[@alexanderrutland6349]

He already has

[@suppeople9987]

Alex Rutland i know i mean i light of recent events

[@neilmoore7194]

Brexit is and will be disastrous. Cause Trump is going to leave the WTO, whose existence a successful Benexit depended upon!

[@vince3698]

Lets see if i got this right, you Brits are leaving the EU and are looking to increase trade with theUSA then your ambassador pisses of Trump and has to resign ,nice way to get trade,. Then you look to China to replace EU trade and thenn send your brand new aircraft carrier into the south China sea in a show of strength and interfere in Hong Kong , Oh by the waqy tell Boris to tuck his shirt tail into his pants, On the subject of NI not all "Scots Irish" are Orangemen they fought well in the army of George Washington ashington.

[@Sean-sn9ld]

Mary Lou is a hero

[@jod373]

You’ve got to unite the folk in Ireland first before having a “united ireland” . The IRA and others killed their own countrymen when it suited them. As a small u unionist (never been and never will be a supporter of the DUP) I look at Sinn Fein and just see a bunch of political opportunists who change the narrative on any subject when it suits them to advance their political aims. Mary Lou may be charming and a great wordsmith but it doesn’t remove the killings , the hurt and pain that some of her older party colleagues unleashed in the late 60’s along with the so called “loyalist” terrorists. A United Ireland is a noble cause and the majority of Irish nationalists chose not to bring death and destruction to Northern Ireland in pursuit of that goal or to seek justice!

[@taintabird23]

As a citizen of the Republic, I can tell you many here would make the same points...plus their economic policies are for the birds.

[@Mac_an_Mheiriceanaigh]

I just want to point out that I think we should be celebrating that Mary Lou is the new face of Sinn Féin. Surely people can change and parties can change and this seems like change in the right direction. Being obsessed with the past is not the way forward and from what I see today, Mary Lou is much more palatable than Arlene

[@GillianOCaoilte7334]

@@taintabird23 This comment didn't age well 🤣🤣🤣 You dont speak for the people of Ireland. Sinn Fein won the election here and without a doubt you are wrong.

[@taintabird23]

@@GillianOCaoilte7334 Really? How so? And where did I claim to speak for the people of Ireland?

[@tomdg13]

I support a united Europe which would include all of Ireland, Britain, and other places too :)

[@lookandlisten5740]

Would the other places include Papua New Guinea , Peru or maybe Japan ?

[@senorgammon6161]

Tom di Giovanni what about russia?

[@tomdg13]

If we reached a point where other countries were equal enough for that to work, in terms of economics and acceptance of diversity and the rule of law and functioning democratic expression, for example, then that would be a great thing. We're not there yet.

[@senorgammon6161]

Tom di Giovanni i love europe and fellow europeans and have no problem with freedom of movement for europeans, im Just uncomfortable with ex bankers in brussels with unacountable power thats why i voted brexit

[@senorgammon6161]

Fuck the commission

[@takehe68]

Mary Lou is terrific. Owen, I would love to hear you interview Ann Pettifor (if you haven't already). She is an economic advisor to Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell and a brilliant educator and campaigner on issues of debt and public finance.

[@Becci1066]

Great interview. Can you interview Diane Abbott I'd like to hear what she has to say without her being shouted down.

[@ByddinRhyddidCymru]

Up the ra! Reunite Ireland!

[@unclecrackhead397]

They’ve surrendered pal

[@yorkshireplumbing]

I used to like Owen, but I see him as a self-serving fraud now. I noticed he never addresses opposition with civil debate and reason, he just carries on browbeating them with heinous names like bigot and radical far right. Not nice.

[@paulpaul8861]

He's just a publicity seeker. Im certain the only reason he has organised this anti-Trump demonstration is so he can get more publicity in America.

[@Jonnie-Falafel]

He rarely interviews anyone with significantly different views. He's so idelogically possessed he just toes party lines rather than engage in any kind of meaningful dialogue.

[@paulpaul8861]

His attitide seems to be 'you're either with me or against me'. Any other view that differs from his is wrong in his opinion. He doesn't seem to think that he could just be wrong some times.

[@PaulMuzik]

He just knows as of anyone else in the world that Ireland should be IRELAND.

[@jeanferret9497]

He still hasn't started shaving. And he is also from a highly affluent background.

[@targetedwhelm1042]

Owen- meet Dominic Grieve. Very clever and insightful man

[@targetedwhelm1042]

Jack Turner nice

[@unclecrackhead397]

He’s a traitor to democracy

[@katomiler843]

One Ireland.

[@darrenwilliams2921]

Always says Tory brexiteers does he know that over a third of Labour supporters voted to leave as well.

[@AdamSich]

Given that they're talking about the Tory government's approach to Brexit, I'm not sure what relevance Labour-voting members of the public would have had to the discussion.

[@joermundgand]

Adam Sich. Perhaps it's because it's the people you left behind as you all decided to praise Blair and allowed their communities to die, but it must be nice being so insulated from reality in a nice North London neighbourhood.

[@PrincipledUncertainty]

Sinn Fein are not the best people to use the term collateral damage.

[@pietersteenkamp5241]

And Britain?

[@PrincipledUncertainty]

Indeed.

[@paulmccann45]

Tell that to the Iraqis.

[@PrincipledUncertainty]

And that exonerates the IRA how exactly?

[@jackfrancis5238]

It doesn't, but it does provide extra context that tells us that Sinn Féin are not the only bad guys in the sense you speak of.

[@shanetreacyferguson2459]

what does Sinn Fein mean is it not mean ourselves alone which bit of Brussels gives you that

[@mjw12345]

Interesting exchange. Just 2 observations. 1. Republicans and Sinn Féin have in the past somewhat tended to present a United Ireland as an annexation. Well, if it were to occur, it would be nothing of the sort. For starters, it would result in a drastic change in the political landscape on the island, i.e.., 1 million Protestants/Unionists, perhaps a majority conservative in politics and on social questions, ie.., like a significant section of the ROI population and the two major political parties, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael. It's likely that for a generation, this new electorate would hold the balance of power in the New Ireland (after all, they do so now in the UK!). Rather like, the Irish Parliamentary Part in Westminster, late 19thC. This realization is likely to be a shock for progressive politics but should be a reassurance for Unionists. 2. The matter of the UK subvention is raised-12 Billion. This is a relative pittance when 4 factors are considered: the NI population will still be British citizens so surely there will be little objection for GB continuing to share some of that burden for sometime. Dublin now has to means to address this as well. Then, surely the EU will likewise intervene not least because it was Brexit that accelerated the process of reunification. Last, Commonwealth countries, countries with an Irish Diaspora have in the past and could continue to contribute.

[@nickchandler9345]

If the people of Ireland want to be united, I think they should be. I think perhaps the islands could become a federation, with the four different countries each having their own governments, whilst also having a central government to coordinate things

[@giggabyte6413]

But the issue is and why they has been violence here, is that alot of people here dont want a united Ireland, they identify as British not Irish and want to remain as part of the UK.

[@nickchandler9345]

Thus being a United British Federation would solve that problem too, their could be a fifth devolved government specifically for Northern Ireland

[@seanlynch3407]

You have so comprehensively misunderstood this issue I'm actually impressed. The nationalists of Ireland want to be united under an Irish nation not another British puppet state. United British Federation? Really?

[@nickchandler9345]

Sean Lynch I’m not suggesting a puppet state, I want their local government to have all the power. The Central government would only handle international relationships and things like that, whilst local governments could control much more. It would be more democratic and fair, not less

[@jammyjamjars6995]

Nick Chandler Ireland would never take instructions from London, hence the whole war of independence haha

[@AndalusianIrish]

North of Ireland??!! It's NORTHERN IRELAND Owen.

[@AndalusianIrish]

John Higgins Owen belies his republican sympathies with his choice of language. Donegal is in the north of Ireland but not Northern Ireland.

[@AndalusianIrish]

Shane kenny No it isn't. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and NORTHERN IRELAND.

[@Ystadcop]

Yes, sad Shinners are genetically engineered to parrot this. Then ask them where Donegal is? Why, the north of Ireland..........

[@zavi13]

Actually Donegal is the north-west

[@AndalusianIrish]

zavi13 I know that! I am just calling Owen out on his republican bias. I have no problem with the aim of republicanism to reunify the country but I do object to an Englishman not being able to use the correct name for the six counties.

[@adamwelch1528]

Given the fine balance in the commons it's a shame Sinn Fein don't take up their seats but the reasons for that are understandable. Couldn't they resign their seats and let the SDLP have a clear run in the by-elections?

[@nuttall47]

I'm all for the Republic taking over subsidising NI, but we all know they don't want to.

[@ShellysAshes]

She says a hard boarder between north and south could see a return to the troubles, and that it would be insane to even risk inflaming the situation. A minute later she’s proudly laying out her vision for a United Ireland.... Remind me again Mary, which of those two things is the one that will lead to war?

[@GazzyMorris]

And United Ireland happens only if the people of N.Ireland agree. It will be a boarder pole. No need for war, it's democracy

[@1258-Eckhart]

*border poll

[@ShellysAshes]

I should've wrote, "which of those two things is the one most likely to lead to war?". The Republicans in Northern Ireland and the nationalists in Scotland will never admit it, but their respective countries voting to remain whilst the nation as a whole voted to leave was their Carlsberg scenario.

[@ComradeBucket]

One is democratic, one is not. Quite simple, really.

[@soarux1054]

She argues that Northern Ireland should join the Republic because we voted to remain in the EU? Is this our answer to the problem when it doesn’t go our way? There is no democracy there. I wonder is the people of Antrim or Down voted in favour to remain in the United Kingdom, will she insist on pulling them out of that? Standard Sinn Féin

[@Jonnie-Falafel]

Another nodding dog interview.

[@gingergreek]

A united Ireland? TBH it's non of my business. I don't live there.

[@ogrebattle22763]

This is my take on it.... if it is meant to happen than it will happen.... if not than it won't...

[@awesomeavenger2810]

A week ago Owen Jones was warning us about Tommy Robinson. Now he's sitting down with the political wing of the IRA. A sectarian terrorist group. Far, far worse than anything on the far right. He sits there nodding like a child totally out of his depth, while she lectures him on the 'hard won peace process'. As if her party were champions of peace, rather than violent murderers who simply stopped bombing people. And it's not a 'tory Brexit'. The country voted to leave the EU. Jeremy Corbyn (himself a supporter of the IRA ) promised to respect the will of the people. Insinuating that Corbyn's mates might start exploding bombs again if the UK as a whole goes ahead with Brexit is a non-argument. Because the UK is a democracy. It's policies are not dictated by terrorists.

[@awesomeavenger2810]

If you think that sectarian violence in Northern Ireland began in the 70s, then you need to read a history book.

[@jawadc97]

Awesome Avenger the DUP have links with terrorist organisation that carried out bombings in the Republic of Ireland. If Sinn Fein is a terrorist organisation, then the Tories are in government with one.

[@nhrrsn]

Sinn Fein aren't a sectarian terrorist group. They're a political party, democratically elected in peaceful elections. We've gone past the days of terrorism and the troubles, except people like you still need to drag it all up and dismiss the democratically elected representatives of a large proportion of the people of Northern Ireland. And "the country" didn't vote to leave the EU, England voted to leave the EU. Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to stay in the EU. Speaking as if England as a country speaks for the whole UK just shows your elitist attitudes.

[@awesomeavenger2810]

Ian Harrison I'm not dragging up terrorism and the troubles. Owen Jones is. His whole message is 'you can't have Brexit because Northern Ireland will descend into violence'. And the country did indeed vote for Brexit. You don't get to pick it apart (while totally ignoring Wales) just because you don't like the result. Don't be so elitist!

[@Jonnie-Falafel]

Sinn Fein field candidates in Eire elections. What's their support like there?

[@Sannypowa]

A Union is never to be considered damage, Union is love. Ireland Unite! I promise you we will all share pints of Guinness and cheer for St Patrick day on my visit to Dublin. Love and bless you all from Italy

[@liverpoolanfield9855]

Im from the Republic and would like to see a United Ireland but the Dublin Government have proved that they struggled to manage the Republic and its affairs for decades so I think our Unionist brothers in the North are correct to have reservations.

[@bridgetodonnell1926]

What is the point of a United Ireland that is not Irish. Sinn Fein is not longer a nationalist party.

[@ndladis]

Sinn Fein were always Irish socialists and that alone explains why they are not "nationalists" as you put it. They fought for united Ireland free from the English rule not for a nationalistic Ireland.

[@robbiekirkwood5275]

United Ireland YES...

[@joeyguitarstrings3588]

Unlike Mary Lou I grew up fighting British hostility, often many times daily however, why would a Republican political party, one which always took an anti-EU/EC/EEC line now support this lack of republican principle which is the EU? The principle of electing Dail/Parliament as, effectively, municipal councils is not what my family died for.

[@stevegill411]

Why can't the people of Northern Ireland and southern Ireland have a referendum a simple yes or no to a united Ireland as an English man and having an Irish wife it baffles me how a country can be divided by the past we should listen to the will of the people and let them decide

[@spartybrearly7221]

So the E.U is democratic and efficient? 🤔😂