Is a united Ireland close?

The pro-Irish republican party Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill recently became the first nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland.
The British-ruled province saw decades of sectarian violence followed by a fractious peace.
So could a reunified Ireland finally be within touching distance, or does it remain a pipe dream?
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[@Evemeister12]

Unionism is dying.

[@andrewlankford9634]

Is it really? Why would the republic want to risk being reunited with a region like that, especially if the UK is now clearly happy to part with it?

[@tomjones7184]

Is a Kurdish state inevitable?

[@Evemeister12]

​@andrewlankford9634 sinn fein first minister, abortion and same sex marriage legal in Northern Ireland, nationalist parties dominate political representation of Northern Ireland in stormont, Westminster and Council level, unionist population no longer the majority in Northern Ireland . Unionism is doomed. And the majority of people in Republic of Ireland favour Northern Ireland joining it.

[@tomjones7184]

@@Evemeister12 doesn’t matter what the republic thinks

[@Timberdoodle197]

Is it ? Come to Londonderry on the 12th of August and see for yourself, no surrender

[@garyhutton2654]

The UK has been dismantled before in 1922 so this isn't new

[@whittenoval]

The troubles did not start in the 1960s ... It started with the Ulster plantations by the British in the 1600s.. to quell Irish rebellions that were common place at that time ..

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

They weren't rebellions. They were wars.

[@whittenoval]

@@wolfthequarrelsome504 true , but it is root cause of all the troubles today. ...

[@MomentoMauri]

Can we stop calling them British and be honest here? Scottish they are Scottish.

[@whittenoval]

@@MomentoMauri clearly don't know about the plantations then ?

[@Craicfox161]

@@MomentoMaurirangers fans

[@Dublinireland5]

England has taken the north of Ireland out of the EU, the people in the north of Ireland are worse off because of the laws that are made in Westminster London, it is time to reunite ireland as one country, and bring the north of Ireland back into the EU again, the Berlin Wall came down some years ago they have come together and it works what Germany can do ireland can do as well....

[@Timberdoodle197]

It's called Northern Ireland not North of Ireland, it will remain British as long as there are unionists and loyalists within its borders me included in 26 there are many more like me.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

Sorry @Dublinireland5 I'm doing rather fine in the Post Brexit Northern Ireland well paid job completely mortgage free and my missus is a beautiful lady from Dublin...not bad for a working class man...meanwhile up until recently my missus's father had 4 generations living under one roof in a 3 bedroom home just outside Dublin which to be fair he also owns outright...please explain to me why my oldest daughters in Northern Ireland have their own homes but he has to accommodate daughter grand daughter and a great grand child in his 70s... Also explain to my why if the Republic of Ireland is such a paradise that Asda Sainsbury's and Tesco in Enniskillen Newry and Strabane are constantly full of people from the Republic of Ireland buying their basic shopping...you know the food on their table for their children to eat? 🤔 Many would argue that the reunification of Germany has been a less than stellar success and I'm curious why you don't capitalise 'Ireland' it is a proper noun and also the nation you are trying to endorse

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

@@Timberdoodle197 the vote says otherwise!

[@Timberdoodle197]

@@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910 what vote

[@chrisw8284]

No thank E U. The 26 Roman Catholic counties of the REPUBLIC of Ireland are occupied by Europe. The REPUBLIC of Ireland is over run with immigrats, foreigners and Muslims. NORTHERN Ireland is British and part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and NORTHERN Ireland. We British in NORTHERN Ireland want no part of the REPUBLIC of Ireland 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧British is best 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@oisinm332]

The island belongs to the Irish, the English have no place here.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

Lots of Africa and Eastern Europe appear to have a place in tte Republic of Ireland though...

[@keencyclist6134]

Who’ll be first? Scotland or Ireland?

[@darraghfarrell9024]

Nil fhios agam amhac!?! Haha agus ta se mahogany gaspipe!?!

[@keencyclist6134]

If it all comes down to a mahogany gaspipe then who knows

[@darraghfarrell9024]

@@keencyclist6134 sin abhfuil mo chara!?!

[@fkjms73]

None

[@darraghfarrell9024]

@@fkjms73 probably right!?!

[@loneprimate]

Someone needs to tell London to put its toys away already. The Eiffel Tower is cool. London's obsession with a ferris wheel is not.

[@dinty66]

Nobody pays because we shall be united as one & shall share our wealth & marketability !

[@antonralph6947]

There is no such thing as the UK or Northern Ireland. There is the occupied six counties

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

Éire Abú athaontaithe go deo!🇮🇪💚☘

[@Timberdoodle197]

You people are deluded, if it wasn't for my ancestors you'd still be living in cottages crapping in a hole, northern ireland is british always will be I'm 26 people think my generation is for a united ireland, not hardly there will be blood on the streets before its united. No surrender

[@Timberdoodle197]

​@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910 what's the point of speaking in a dead language how embarrassing

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

@@Timberdoodle197 I'll say this in English! HOW THICK ARE YOU RETARD!

[@derekmcmanus8615]

Occupied 6 counties? Spoken like a true Sinn Fein/IRA enthusiast...occupied by the people that live there no doubt...🤔

[@neilsmith5762]

Hope Ireland can unite. I’m English.

[@philipmccready7090]

Irish people of all traditions should continue towards collaboration and gain in shared prosperity. The world welcomes the Irish as traders, creatives, and free thinkers.

[@OlanKenny]

I'd like to see a unified Ireland but the issues of poverty, homelessness, healthcare backlogs are more important for the majority of people who live in both the Republic and The North.

[@MomentoMauri]

I've been living up north for four years. You do not want to see a unified Ireland until Northern Ireland ahs resolved it's profound social issues. I can't see it happening in a decade if it ever happens it'll 50 years or so. The South has ridiculous economic problems that the north would not tolerate and the north has social problems that would cause a civil war if they try to unify

[@derekmcmanus8615]

Northern Ireland not the North of Ireland

[@biulaimh3097]

The problems only exist because FF/FG want them as a divide and conquer strategy. This is why we need the "far right ".

[@patrickkeating7074]

@@MomentoMauri ridiculous economic problems caused by a fast-growing economy, the Irish population has gone from 2.8 m to 5.2 m in twenty-five years, how is the wee North doing economically.........no money and living on London handouts......sad.

[@harrydebastardeharris987]

Any sensible and sane people would keep as far away from anything to do with the Brexit English and Tory Westminster. A United Ireland is the Irish peoples best solution.

[@FOLIPE]

He wants to be a part of the fifth economy in the world? Does that mean he is pro union with India?

[@for111]

Mumbaiderry

[@roooroooooooo1091]

Very few people in the Repulic of Ireland know let alone like Ivana Batik. Irish Labour is a fringe left party that hasn't been relavent in over a decade.

[@eoin8156]

I’m from Dublin and live in Belfast. I wanted a United ireland all of my life but I no longer want it after the way the ff and fg government has ruined the affordability of living in the south. I paid 320k for a 3 bed house in a lovely area in Belfast with my wife. The same house is like 650k in Dublin. We were able to rent a 2 bed apartment for 900 pound a month in Belfast while saving for that house too . The same apartment in Dublin is like 2.5k pm in Dublin .

[@zeppirl]

Short term problem vs long term goal.

[@tbo2120]

Then we’ve got SF in the North. Using the lovely financial fruits of the British government and not caring one bit about Ireland. The most anti Irish party on the island. Fakes, phonies and traitors.the status quo is good in NI. It doesn’t need to change.

[@johnhiggins779]

No comparison, Dublin is the capital of Ireland while Belfast is probably the third or fourth city. A house in London would be much more expensive than a house in Manchester.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

@johnhiggins779 and normal working Dublin men and women can no longer afford to purchase a home in Dublin...instead they are dependent on the 'HAP' payment to even afford monthly rent...that really doesn't strike me as a position of great strength for native Irish people 🤔

[@jimmallon285]

DUP, UUP and TUV, 3 unionist parties. SF, SDLP, PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT and AONTU, 4 nationalist parties

[@insiderreality491]

Actually the poll asking for a United Ireland in the near future had a large majority, that question was would someone vote right now with no draft paper or details which was 39%. With a draft paper and a few years to Knock out the details there's a large majority.

[@CCLilja]

Even if I am Swedish, I have been a staunch supporter of Northern Ireland's national football team since 1982. I am confident that the two sides can accomplish great things together, without bringing a ball into the equation. Being Norse I side with neither side. I was born and raised a Protestant but I am a republican as well.

[@sunnywintermorning1941]

There’s no reason a Northern Ireland football team can’t continue to exist in a united Ireland. NI is a UK region. Post-unification it would be an Ireland region.

[@aengusryan5948]

Why would a Northern Ireland football team exist in a united Ireland ? That's like having a southern England team and an English team. It just wouldn't happen. @@sunnywintermorning1941

[@gerardflynn7382]

​@@sunnywintermorning1941Actually post Unification it will be just Ireland.

[@sunnywintermorning1941]

@@gerardflynn7382 Unlikely, I think. Ireland is a party to the 1998 Belfast Agreement. For the purposes of obligations under that agreement, Northern Ireland will have to continue in existence. That’s irrespective of whether it comes to form part of Ireland.

[@matthewbrady1562]

​@@sunnywintermorning1941That kindof defeats the purpose of unifying, NI will no longer exist. Ireland would be politically one country.

[@alwayslearning7672]

The fact of the matter is that the protestants unionists in NI have a lot more in common with the Irish than they do with British. And most British dont even consider the Northern Irish British, no more than the French consider the Quebecois French/Canadians French.

[@biulaimh3097]

Northern protestants could do well for themselves in a united Ireland. As a southern nationalist I reckon the better half of them could make a very positive contribution. A lot of protestants have integrity. Trust but verify.

[@sunnywintermorning1941]

14:35 incorrect description of May Lou McDonald - she is the leader of Sinn Fein in Ireland AND Northern Ireland.

[@fieldagentryan]

Mary Lou mcdildo the landgrabbing through her candidates fathers in galway and caught red rotten .

[@trishclarke8578]

McDonald - globalist and traitor to Ireland🙏🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@austinbourke9292]

and she thinks men can have an abortion She will make a great leader eon't she

[@matthewbrady1562]

For Sinn Fein they don't distinguish between Irish citizens North or South but obviously have to work along the partition lines in both states as they signed up to the GFA.

[@ST-ur7oh]

Sinn Fein IRA.**

[@brianlea2853]

As it stands the Labour Party have 7 seats in the Daíl and the Social Democrats have 6 seats The SDLP currently have two MPs in the UK Parliament and seven MLAs in the Northern Ireland Assembly Then there’s also the European Parliament Sinn Féin are the only cross border party but currently can’t (won’t) sit in Westminster If the Labour Party, The Social Democrats and the SDLP merged they would have representation in four parliaments and be the only other cross border party as a United ireland alternative to Sinn Fein Bacik herself even described her party as Social Democratic This is the most no brainer political move in history which is why I’m thinking it won’t happen I have a feeling none of them will have the foresight or ability to achieve it Although a cross border party as an alternative to Sinn Fein would be nice

[@dinty66]

Very correct Ivana , you are the Party which grew up around the 1913 lockout & the great Jim Larkin !!

[@dave3gan]

Is there another question too? Do either Ireland or Britain actually want Northern Ireland? Even just on cost alone

[@derekobeirnes482]

Bigger issue is mass unvetted immigration into Ireland

[@Evemeister12]

Immigration is good for Ireland as it dilutes the old cultural backwaters and makes for a more pluralist society.

[@colincampbell4261]

You mean refugees until proven otherwise. Stop using right wing racist dialogue.

[@karoltomis5704]

Are there the protestant churches in the Republic? Greetings from Pressburg/Pozsonyi

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

You know nothing about vetting. How long do think it takes?

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

​@@karoltomis5704 Yes indeed . Many religious institutions and places of worship in Ireland.

[@alanmarkfoster1862]

It is complete stupidity for it to be divided when there is no racial or ethnic or linguistic differences as both communities are white English speaking people of Celtic origin as majority of people in both communities have surnames prefixed with Mac or Mc

[@gallowglass2630]

You greatly underestimate the cultural differences between the two .They are both of celtic origin but the protestants are much more anglosaxon than celtic and those mac names among thew protestants are mainly as a result of mixed marriages.Its not like japanese and arabs but you greatly underestimate the cultural issues..They go to different schools and play different sports which is why they made a big thing about Emma Pengelly playing camogie which is seen as a catholic /irish sport as opposed to field hockey thats consider a protestant british sport.its not insurmountable but they are cultural differences non the less.

[@alanmarkfoster1862]

@@gallowglass2630 Mixed marriages in other parts of the world are based upon racial differences, and most of the world ignore those differences,rather than the religious affiliation As for sports in the USA and other advanced countries in the Western Hemisphere, there is no difference in which sport one plays, whether Catholic Baptist or heathen It is ironic that the British pay so much attention to whether one is Catholic or Protestant yet most Brits refer to Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, as Xmas

[@colincampbell4261]

​@@alanmarkfoster1862you clearly do not understand the situation in Ireland.

[@MomentoMauri]

@@gallowglass2630 I live in Northern Ireland. the Catholics and protestant up here have more in common with each other than they have with Ireland or Britain. they're just refusing to let go of the past and grow the f up. To see fully grown adults refuse to sit and do their jobs as government because they don't like the other side is petty. You see that from both sides up here. I've never seen a more petty culture in my life and I've lived in a few different countries now and travelled to many more

[@MrResearcher122]

@@gallowglass2630 But Ulster Catholics have Gallowglass heritage, especially in Donegal. Even Donegal Gaelic is spoken in Scotland, and a recent study suggests strong historical connections with Ulster and Scotland for thousands of years. Genetic studies change every year, but its clear for anyone with Ulster Catholic heritage that West Scotland seems more familiar than Dublin.

[@MisterKen81]

Not with Sinn Fein or the DUP involved

[@alanleahy2047]

To quote the Great Miick Dundee....two fleas fighting over the dog they both live on.

[@kathleenv510]

An important element of the discussion that was not mentioned here is the fact that many people in the north, regardless of which side of the cultural world they're in, feel that a new identification has formed, that of being Northern Irish. These people may fall into the "don't know" camp and would need to be better understood and assured before a border poll could take place.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

I'm almost 52 but my children and their friends have a very different outlook from me...times change

[@dinty66]

To see Emma & Michelle side by side & having a giggle enlightens my heart as I age !!

[@lugo_9969]

Southern catholic here. All i ever want is unionists & nationalists to co-exist in peace & respect. Not particularly bothered about a united ireland....cos 800,000 orangemen dont want it forced on them. Currently the Republic is a mess. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

[@ktulu31]

What about nationalist Irish does their wants not count

[@petebondurant58]

@ktulu31 They’ll be replaced by Africans within twenty years.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

@@ktulu31 not in regards to Northern Ireland

[@seanquinn4540]

If those eight hundred thousand orangemen are a minority, it doesn't matter what they want. It's fifty percent plus one. That is democracy so shut up

[@johnhiggins779]

10% of the island's population don't have the right to stem reunification.

[@patriciaryan7066]

Any time I bring this up in the North I'm told "You can't afford us!"

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

Rather.... The north can't afford not to.

[@paulsmith4467]

UK Money , EU Money Irish America Money, Irish money.@@wolfthequarrelsome504

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

N Ireland has not paid its way since 1937

[@fintonmainz7845]

A United Ireland is inevitable in 20 years. Now is the best time for unionists in NI to negotiate a settlement which best serves their interest.

[@aengusryan5948]

That may well be what Emma Little Pengaly is doing. Get in with the right crowd as they see what's coming down the track.

[@darrendelaney9955]

Sammy Wilson with his usual bollox that this video team let make the edit. Could he name the "one republican party and five unionist parties"? The nationalist vote has overtaken the unionist vote for the past 2 elections. Did no one tell poor Sammy?

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

Might have but he wouldn't have heard, having a turnip head!🇮🇪💚

[@christonngoveni8438]

If Ireland succeed, so will Scotland with the northern oil fields, disaster... Empire will finally go to sleep and close its eyes.

[@user-fz3il5zo6w]

Brits OUT

[@tvpc3194]

black in

[@scobeyrowley5115]

Irish out

[@user-fz3il5zo6w]

Irish out of Ireland .... 🤡🤡🤡

[@user-fz3il5zo6w]

@@scobeyrowley5115 Irish out of Ireland lol 🤡🤡🤡

[@rosshilton]

Yes, and take back the 890,000 Irish citizens who live and vote in England. Bye bye.

[@trevork.d8227]

As an American I wanna see a United ireland before i die 🇮🇪🇺🇸❤️

[@tonysadler5290]

You'd be better off working for a united USA, not going to be easy if trump gets back in. He'll be dancing to Putin's tune. God help the USA then.

[@seanquinn4540]

Thank you 🇮🇪

[@chrisw8284]

Keep your plastic Paddy nose out of the internal affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and NORTHERN Ireland. British we are, British we stay🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧God save our gracious King

[@ciaranbrk]

I take Sammy Wilson’s point but there are two Republican parties Sinn Fein and the SDLP and really only three loyalist parties the DUP, the UUP and the PUP. There is also the traditionalist Unionist voice But to my knowledge the only elected member of the party as an MLA is an ultraconservative named Jim Allister. But again back to Sammy Wilson people in Ireland are paid way better than the UK and Irish people are 16% better off financially and UK people. Also Ireland doesn’t get tossed about it’s a diplomatic super power that has friends in Washington and all over Europe it has a veto on a lot of European plans. It has good relations with almost everyone in the world.

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

Interesting.

[@colincampbell4261]

Nah - long time away yet. Only 35% want a UI.

[@daviddack1595]

Only when Scotland gets to Join the EU too. Re-Join the EU now.

[@dinty66]

Ivana is incorect , Labour only endorsed Connolly-ite republicans in 1997 when they welcomed in the members of the SFWP & brilliant ministers they turned out to be !!

[@adrianwhyatt1425]

There's still a 10% lead for thosed wanting to remain in the UK at 49% over those wanting to unite with Eire, the Irish Republic, on 39%, with 11% undecided and 1% saying they won't vote in any referendum on re-unification.

[@gallowglass2630]

10% is nothing given the huge ongoing demographic changes in ten years that 10% will be clawed back significantly.

[@matthewbrady1562]

That's impressive when there hasn't even been any formal pros and cons yet.

[@colincampbell4261]

​@@gallowglass2630decades away.

[@Ubique2927]

I do hope so. That will be the first loss making piece of land to go. Then Wales & Scotland can go also. Then there will be billions and billions of English cash for English people.

[@Maixo]

A united Irish caliphate the way things are going!!

[@colincampbell4261]

Utter bollox. Ireland is about 90% white. EU migrants make up the vast majority of incomers.

[@martha8517]

ah wise up ya melter

[@MomentoMauri]

As much as I'm against a united Ireland because NI is a social mess and the republic is an economic one, there is no comparison between ROI and a caliphate. Ireland is a free a democratic country, sure our politicians are corrupt but they aren't enslaving woman and murdering gay people so I don't think you can really compare the two

[@JTR253]

Awesome 😂

[@MrResearcher122]

Well, friend, your ancestors embraced a Middle Eastern Religion before, and worshipped a Jewish Man. Islam, at least, is monotheistic, and God isn't a man to be worshipped. You don't even have to serve the Priests.

[@Sonyrocks1Of]

The brits arnt the problem we all know what is but we can’t say

[@Evemeister12]

The loyalists are the problem.

[@MomentoMauri]

@@Evemeister12 Paramilitaries on both sides are the problem and the lack of support for the working class allowing paramilitaries (gangs, lets call them what they are) to recruit young people who feel they have no hope. N.I. has made an art of winding people up and pointing them toward violence. you do not want a unified Ireland until the north has sorted it's social problems and the south has sorted it's economic problems or there'd be a civil war

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

​​@@MomentoMauriRepublic of Ireland has a budget SURPLUS of about 9 billion Euro. It has built at least 3 brand new hospitals. It is building houses as fast as it can. Its begging people to to come home to build more homes. It's giving 800 million Euro to N Ireland to bring the Dublin Derry road up to modern standard. Republic is 12 times smaller than UK. But is also a lot wealthier.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

​@williampatrickfagan7590 but it has a housing crisis with over 10000 native Irish on the streets and the car parks of Asda Tesco and Sainsbury's in Newry Enniskillen and Strabane continue to be full of cars with European number plates for some reason...cost of living

[@Kaylor_Ryan]

I dont think so

[@kiselovo1]

A United Ireland will never happen in anyone’s lifetime who is alive today, a romantic dream for some only. The level of likely violence if the sovereignty of NI ever changed would be extreme and way beyond anything seen before in the U, and Ireland.

[@dinty66]

Auction politics going on ? Maybe & what is gonna be good for the North has to be good for us Suddies !! IE: housing & health ! Just tell the Bizz Folk that they may have reduced tax & by inversion all should benefit !!!

[@adrianharvison9269]

We in northern Ireland don't pay to see a doctor our food is a lot cheaper and house,s is cheaper and pay is not much different we have peace we are happy in the uk

[@MomentoMauri]

Agreed. as someone from the ROI living in NI the economic crisis in the south would create a civil war up here if they attempted reunification and the social problems up here would be handled even worse than they are right now. there would be war

[@Jcolbert123]

​@MomentoMauri You're either a liar or very ignorant. "If they attempted reunification...up here" only the people of the North can bring about reunification not Ireland and not Britain.

[@Jcolbert123]

How long does it take to see a doctor in the North of Ireland? Life expectancy is higher in Ireland than the North. Lower income families don't pay for the health service in Ireland. There is a far greater chance that the NHS (which is literally imploding due to the lack of investment) becoming like the Irish health system than Irelands becoming like the NHS. You claim the North is now at peace. Do we forget about Lyra McKee? What about the threats towards the DUP by the loyalist groups? Someone had to be removed from a plane the other day for attacking Jeffrey Donaldson... there's a civil war in unionism, its the Nationalist or Middle ground Alliance that are at peace. You're food in the North is cheaper because you retained access to the EU market for goods. Pay is different with the median wage far higher in Ireland than the North and social welfare payments being far higher in Ireland than the North. Reunification isn't being forced on anyone. Unionism continues to put its head in the sand and pretend reunification isn't on the horizon even though all polls show this to be the trajectory.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

​@@Jcolbert123Lyra McKee was stupid enough to stand beside a PSNI land-rover during a riot in Derry...ffs Darwin award much...and shot by a Catholic Nationalist...the irony is strong

[@melissahouse3488]

I see, so social welfare is what it's about!?! Ireland belongs to the Irish!!! English go home!!! ☘️🇮🇪💚

[@trisgilmour]

I think it could happen eventually

[@tbo2120]

The status quo in Northern Ireland is just too good to consider joining with the republic. As a catholic, nothing about the tax code, bills, medical care, property prices, taxes down south appeals to me. The north is cheaper to live in and that creates safety and a higher level of happiness in general. Why would anyone change that? For ‘history’s sake’? Only a fool will give up what he’s got to bump up career politicians such as Sinn Féin and the likes. They’re a prime example of using the system to their advantage while campaigning for something different. They want their names in history. I want my children happy, healthy and rich for decades to come.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

This...👆

[@melissahouse3488]

Ireland belongs to Ireland. ☘️🇮🇪💚 Get out of you don't agree!!!

[@derekmcmanus8615]

@melissahouse3488 have you been to any major town or city in the Republic of Ireland recently? 🤔 I'd say Ireland belongs to the influx of obviously non native people invited by the uni-party government that it rejoices under did you know that the most popular boys name in Galway is now Muhammad? Such an Irish name or that the locals in Donegal now refer to Letterkenny as Letterkenya?

[@user-df6dt4wl4n]

Can 2nd generation Irish sorts from Uk come and live in Ireland?

[@yermanoffthetelly]

Any UK citizen can irrespective of ancestry. Common travel Area.

[@Revoe_Lad]

Can you imagine the ROI army trying to fight the UVF if the ulster covenant comes into effect? The British army struggled against the IRA and that was when Britain had a powerful army. The ROI spends 0.2% of gdp on defence. I can’t see it happening but you never know

[@MomentoMauri]

They struggled against the RA because they didn't know who they were they wouldn't struggle today. this isn't the 70's, 80's or 90's anymore. The tactics the RA used were covert and indirect. They wouldn't have the same power these days that they had then.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

What the folks in the Republic of Ireland need to realise is that a huge number of Protestant/Unionists have relevant military experience not just in Northern Ireland but in Afghanistan and Iraq...not the sort of people you want to upset

[@Evemeister12]

Loyalist population of Northern Ireland is too small to do anything now.

[@Revoe_Lad]

@@Evemeister12 I’ll have to disagree with that.

[@eoin8156]

Those so called loyalists are now either exiled to Scotland or literally in bed with the republican dissidents selling drugs . No real loyalists exist now.

[@Unknown-xo2mn]

The economic benefits of a Northern Ireland with the rest of Ireland severely outweigh any other positives of a Northern Ireland still separate from the rest of the body of the country. Regardless of religious stance, northern Irish citizens would see a dramatic increase of salary, as you could see statistically when comparing the economic difference between people and economy under the Republic of Ireland, and that of Northern Ireland. Furthermore by unification, the whole of Ireland would be much stronger, in many ways, regardless of opinion. That is a good thing ultimately regardless of how one stands.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

Actually no

[@peterjaniceforan3080]

🤔

[@adrianharvison9269]

We have heard about border poll 50 years ago

[@derekmcmanus8615]

There will never be a United Ireland as long as Protestants exist we will never fit in or adapt to living in the Republic of Ireland...I'm a moderate Protestant whose missus is a Roman Catholic from Dublin so cancel the calls of bigot I spend a lot of time in Dublin and actually have more friends there than in my home town. The political situation in the South is a total mess a housing crisis a massive problem with immigration from some fairly dubious nations and a cost of living crisis...the only time I'll worry about a United Ireland is when the car parks of Asda Tesco and Sainsbury's in Strabane Enniskillen and Newry are no longer full of cars with European number plates

[@yermanoffthetelly]

In what way would Protestants have to "adapt" to living in a UI? The 150k living in the republic seem to be doing fine. Nobody cares about religion down south, you can even have your orange marches if you want, there's never any trouble in Rossnowlagh. The political situation is also a bastion of stability in comparison with the dysfunctional north and don't even mention the circus over in London. The current coalition may not be popular but people will have their say in the next few months and can boot them out if they like. That's how democracy works. A UI might even be beneficial for people of a unionist perspective as they would be a significant voting bloc in the Dáil and have real influence rather than being completely irrelevant in Westminster. Immigration and housing is a problem in most of the developed world. It's even worse in Britain £700k for an average property in London and over 5000 migrants crossing the channel a month!

[@derekmcmanus8615]

@yermanoffthetelly 150 thousand people in a nation of over 5.1 million is statistically insignificant that's why Protestant citizens of the Republic of Ireland seem to be doing fine in your opinion

[@yermanoffthetelly]

@@derekmcmanus8615 Yes but they would be around 15% of a population of 7 million in a reunified state, that is significant. It's better than being 1.45% of the UK population and being completely ignored every time one of your MPs speaks in parliament. There is never anyone in the chamber when someone from NI speaks, ever.

[@derekmcmanus8615]

@yermanoffthetelly you do realise the only time in history there was a United Ireland it was under the British Crown? Frankly I don't trust the democratic process after the events of recent years I see no reason why a government in the Republic of Ireland would pay any respect to the democratic wishes of 15% of the population (they obviously don't at present) unless there was some sort of persecution that attracted world media attention. Ireland currently rejoices under a uni party government that cares not one jot for the will of the Irish people and has people in significant positions who where elected on the 15th count! Also what is your obsession with London...I'm talking about the cultural and societal differences in the average Protestant in Northern Ireland....I'm a moderate fellow my missus is from Dublin but if I don't like being round a Protestant /Loyalist/Unionist from places like Ballymena Larne or Portadown I strongly suspect you won't either

[@derekmcmanus8615]

@yermanoffthetelly it appears KZbin deleted my response at least on my feed...possibly because I mentioned a certain desert religion and their presence in Galway or a certain African demographic and their presence in Donegal...I'll be in Dublin tomorrow maybe I'll see you around

[@NorthernIrishCitizensAlliance]

This is an addendum to our previous post, a reply made to a comment that we though would be of general interest. It’s a typical reply to comments we get. Accused of being Unionist. This is the typical response of Irish Republicanism to anyone that disagrees with them, accuse them of being either British or unionist, not Irish like them, part of the tribe. For your information there are 31% of people in Northern Ireland that do not identify themselves as either Republican, British, Unionists or Nationalists, they are called the Northern Irish, they are Irish, of different religions but not part of your tribe. Their only interest is in what is best for them and their country of Northern Ireland or Ulster. A country that has been around, contrary to Irish Republican gas-lighting, for many millennia, as an independent state. Answers to list of alleged benefits of a united Ireland • The Republic of Ireland’s GDP, internationally labelled as a leprechaun GDP. Which means its total nonsense! • The Northern Irish already have access to abortion in GB for those that want it and it’s cheaper. • What the reference to “greater marriage equality” comes from in the comment, is anyone’s guess. Female rights are protected by law in Northern Ireland. • The Northern Irish already have access to the EU. In addition they also have access to GB. • The ROI are following a little America economic policy, so there is no chance of them bringing in more socialist policies on health or social support. Though I hope they do, but for the benefit of the working class in ROI. • There are so many jobs in ROI, that the rural population are being driven out en masse, “Empty Ireland”. The only Jobs in ROI are in the European Pale around Dublin, where no one but the rich can afford to live or even visit. • If the Northern Irish unified with the Southern Irish, the ROI grossly inflated, crippling yearly contribution to the EU would decrease by about 40%, a massive benefit to ROI, with absolutely no befit the Northern Irish at all. • Any Northern Irish GDP increase would only reflect the fantasy ROI economy, leprechaun economics and in no way befit the Northern Irish. Who would face massive increased cost of living increases of 30%. Companies would close and relocate because of massive increases in wages and costs generally. Unification would be a total nightmare for the Northern Irish. As it has been for the Ulster counties of Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. Dublin wouldn’t care though, as they would have achieved this totally fictional, illusionary, “Nation Once Again” nonsense in the ROI constitution.

[@johnhynes7891]

Someone needs to talk to IREXIT !!

[@nunosantos485]

Why not just having an independent Northern Ireland, with the King as head of state and that joins the EU? That would solve every issue. They would retain their British identity and have free movement on the island of Ireland. Plus, they would still be entitled to British and Irish citizenship if they so choose.

[@MrThecarebear]

Ah, put both together and just call it Ireland.

[@nunosantos485]

@@MrThecarebear The problem is that the North and south in many ways don’t share the same identity and it’s wrong to force culture on someone. It’s better if they just keep their culture, but make it easier economically

[@gdxdesigns1310]

Can't listen to a yank young one talk about Ireland

[@NorthernIrishCitizensAlliance]

There is not one single advantage for any Northern Irish citizen to aspire to unify with the Republic of Ireland, other than some form of religious or tribal aspiration. This is particularly obvious when you look at the way the Ulster counties, Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal populations have been driven out, reduced by 75% since they were acquired by the Republic of Ireland. It would also be useful for the advocates of unification to question the 2% of Northern Ireland’s immigrants that come from the Republic of Ireland each year, with negligible immigration from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, other than to retire in Donegal. They are moving to Northern Ireland for a reason, life is affordable for the young building a family in Northern Ireland. If the people of Northern Ireland were ever foolish enough to vote for unification, the very next day: - Their cost of living would have jumped by at least 30%. The young would not be able to afford a house, so would have to out emigrate. You would pay 100 euro for a visit to A&E, pay for GP visits, hospital treatment and stays. People would literally die trying to avoid health care expenses. Trade with the GB would dry up which in turn would cripple inward investment. Northern Ireland ports and Northern Irelands industry would close or move, causing increasing prices and even more out migration. Northern Ireland would be as empty as Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal in less than 30 years. The only people to benefit from unification would be the Republic of Ireland, as their “Leprechaun GDP” would reduce, which would significantly reduce their insanely inflated EU yearly contribution. If the Northern Irish ever decided to split from the very financially beneficial link with the UK, independence and joining the EU, as the EU think tank suggested, is an infinitely better option for Northern Ireland or Ulster, after their economy is sorted.

[@bernardmolloy6241]

What absolute nonsense. The 26 counties is awash with people who moved from NI.

[@aengusryan5948]

If you're a die hard loyalist, then there is very little anyone can do to convince you of the benefits. If approaching more from a centre ground then there are many. ROI's GDP per capita is over 3 times that of NI. You have full access to the EU. You have access to abortion and greater marriage equality. More importantly there are far more jobs, and much better paid jobs in the south. NI relies heavily on reasonably poorly paid civil service jobs from GB government. Unification would more than likely see the Irish government introduce a health care system more in line with the NHS, and also revise the policing model island-wide. So all in all, I think there are quite a few benefits. From the many economic studies I've read on it by various different overseas economists, they reckon it would mean a modest GDP increase for the south, and up to 42% for the north, which is huge.

[@moodyyuhoody]

@@aengusryan5948 and then we’d have to abide by the south’s lefty nonsense? My arse How come NI has had Nationalist parties from it inception , yet the free state had no Unionist party ? Monaghan was very unionist before Where’d they go? Was it something to do with the shadow of the gunman? Even in the 1930’s battle of college green where republican thugs attacked Remembrance Day crowds while the Garda stepped back. At Sean O’Caseys opening of the silver tassee republican thugs wreaked the theatre No parity off esteem there

[@austinbourke9292]

Great point as to why the North should NEVER joinn the Republic

[@moodyyuhoody]

@@austinbourke9292 never will. Don’t like their blarney

[@SteveSalterszo]

Taken direct from the Northern Ireland 2021 census, 29.1% Identify as Irish, 59.59% Identify as British/Northern Irish. Therein lies your answer. There is not even a united Northern Ireland, over 100 peace walls still segregating communities, the Ireland of old is unrecognisable, more Irish living in Canada, USA, Australia, England than live in Ireland. It costs the UK treasury £13bn per year just to make NI tick over, that is a huge chunk of Ireland's GDP to give up. GB is Northern Ireland's greatest trade partner, 4x times that of trade to Ireland. Brexit never happened, Johnson/Truss/Sunak's EU deal did, a bloody mess!

[@seanquinn4540]

Those statistics are wrong lad 😂 look again and stop lying. Here's the real one for anyone reading: British only - 31.9 Irish only - 29.1 Northern Irish only - 19.8 See how this 🎈tried to merge the first and last without appropriate context.

[@Daddyclive]

To unite Ireland, you need to take the divisive religion out of Ireland.

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

Nationalists do not bring Religion into the Equation. Our politics from home, Our Religion from Rome. And ne'er the 2 should Marry. Unionists, on the other hand openly boast about their bigotry in their annual 12 July hate fests. We fought for the Glory of Religion on the Green Grassy Slopes of the Boyne Acompied by the " Kick the Pope" Band

[@theirishfella2128]

☘️☘️The day a United ireland is declared is the day violence and conflict will spread to every city,town and village across the island of Ireland. People in the Republic have been living in a bubble where at some stage the bubble will burst and the troubles will spread across the land. My concern is for the Gardai and Irish defence forces who will be placed in the line of fire and replace the PSNI and British forces as targets. Politicians both north and south are playing games between themselves as to who can offer a better kind of United ireland than the other. People in the Republic need to think twice and realise the financial burden placed on every household in order to accommodate a United ireland will be extremely painful. People in the Republic are afraid to honestly speak their mind about a United ireland for fear of being singled out as one of the enemy. Politicians in the republic would do better serving the people if they placed greater emphasis on improving health and education services along with services for the elderly and those with disabilities. People in the Republic have a life fairly handy and free of deep conflict with an unarmed garda force being able to maintain law and order across the Republic. A United ireland will blow all this away. Politicians from all party’s in the Republic are playing with the lives of ordinary working people and their families.☘️☘️

[@matthewbrady1562]

I think you overestimate the potential of loyalist violence. Today, it is much more difficult to ship arms, ammunition etc from abroad without it being noticed. Also loyalism, unlike the IRA internationally, (during the Troubles or War for Independence) has little to no support. There will initially be a few riots etc but with a transitionary period, commitment to removing unionist fears ie undoing the Ulster Plantation, subjecting unionists to 2nd class citizenship as happened to nationalists and Catholics in 1922 and retention of their values, UK citizenship, 12th July etc and have a better quality of life and governance than they did under partition , there will not be much dissent.Unionists cannot use the threat of fear anymore in the face of democracy as it wasn't democratic to divide the island in the first place. Germany was divided for many years with very different economies and world views, ask any German today would they want their country in two again...

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

So, your prediction is Violence and A financial burden on the occasion of a United Ireland. My prediction is No violence and an economic bonanza for the whole island is Ireland.

[@gerryhanly3194]

I live in the south and I'm quite happy to leave things as they are. I think the majority of Catholics in the north feel the same way even though they mightn't say that. I was in the North recently and was surprised at the run down look of the place bad roads etc...

[@melissahouse3488]

Perhaps then you should apply common sense then, that Ireland belongs to the Irish and would be best managed by those who love their country & take pride in it!!! ☘️🇮🇪💚

[@everready800]

So all the roads, infrastructure and state buildings just go free to the Republic with a United Ireland?

[@kojack57]

Did you say infrastructure? I have unfortunately had to travel north and I can assure you your "infrastructure" is on par with Haiti. You can keep your infrastructure.

[@everready800]

@kojack57 Lol well then the cost on upgrading it all will be phenomenal. The Republic probably hope the E.U. can contribute to the costs but that's if Zelensky hasn't got it all first!

[@ULYSSES-31]

NI is falling apart.

[@copey5]

@@kojack57 what road was that ? Donegal is terrible

[@michael37377]

​@@kojack57It ain't much better in the south

[@christianmccann9400]

It was not an irish border but a british border put in Ireland .. now in the Irish sea

[@MomentoMauri]

Scottish border, I think we need to be honest about the history it was the scottish protestants that refused to be part of the republic. They are british but we really avoid talking about what happened every time we say british instead of scottish

[@Craicfox161]

It was actually a joint English and Scottish plantation. More Scots then came over later in the 1600’s upon which they became the majority in Ulster.

[@christianmccann9400]

@MomentoMauri the border went up in N Ireland in 1921 .. the early settlers may have been mainly Scottish but there desendants have been on this island hundreds of years now .. like it or not they Irish now of British ancestry .. even the English see them as Irish lol

[@ST-ur7oh]

Nope never x4

[@marcsassenach7993]

Ireland is being united, united with the 3rd world!

[@seanquinn4540]

Why not just say what you are, a racist far right loon

[@johncorner4179]

Never

[@anniegrath1417]

never what?

[@johncorner4179]

your united Irelandtan , fix the south first@@anniegrath1417

[@anniegrath1417]

@@johncorner4179 perhaps you should fix NI and it wouldn’t be dependent on the Kings pound 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@johncorner4179]

what is your beef then?.@@anniegrath1417

[@johncorner4179]

so what do you use in England for money?@@anniegrath1417

[@seanirasach2512]

😂😂😂😂

[@everready800]

The Troubles would probably come back.

[@ULYSSES-31]

They wouldn't.

[@copey5]

@@ULYSSES-31 they will its obvious.

[@ULYSSES-31]

@@copey5 Who will support them?

[@username33ish]

The troubles will not happen again because it was fueled by republicans/Irish that didn't have civil rights We now have a political path to achieve a United Ireland So unless unionism means to ignore democratic mandate or wants to strip the Irish of their civil rights then you have nothing to fear

[@moodyyuhoody]

@@username33ish exactly what civil rights didn’t they have? It was over council houses That’s why the housing executive was formed The real reason was Catholics were butt hurt their republic had no gloss. In a United ireland would you have locked our women in laundries and buggered our young men in industrial schools? Also , you mustn’t have a clue about the temperament of northern Protestant s. We’ll fight youse anytime, another Operation Armageddon .

[@christodd5122]

A Islamic Ireland

[@seanquinn4540]

Header

[@paulkirk7120]

No and it isn't inevitable either. Old style triumphalist Unionism is well past it's sell by date and in terminal decline, but while there has been a growth in Republicanism, it isn't growing enough to challenge the status quo any time soon. I am an Alliance voter and Alliance Party remains the home of Liberal Protestants like myself. Despite that many Alliance voters apparently favour UI these days, I don't think that this is anything more than a reactionary attitude to the DUP and their foolishness over Brexit. Now that the DUP have finally accepted the Border Protocol we may well see a drift back to supporting the status quo. The strongholds of the Alliance are in the traditionally Unionist and Protestant areas of NI and that would seem to support this. There certainly isn't any deep political connection between Alliance voters and a UI. Ultimately, i think that a border poll with any chance of achieving a UI is at least 20 years away and by that time, I hope, the decision will be more likely to be based in economics rather than Tribal affiliation. That Irish Labour Party person talks some pie in the sky nonsense though. Nobody save the most diehard of Republicans is going to vote to worsen their economic status to achieve a UI. If the money and the jobs are not there and guaranteed, then it'll never happen.

[@seanquinn4540]

Two week old comment and it already hasn't aged well 😂

[@paulkirk7120]

@seanquinn4540 OK, so what have I missed and what has changed?

[@edwardandrews4087]

There are almost 200000 people living in the north who have come in from the UK and commonwealth countries. Most of them have a vote and have no truck with nationalism or unionism. They probably vote Alliance and would not vote for a United Ireland,but may not vote against it. They are suppressing nationalist growth and diluting unionism

[@johncasey8082]

The south should get a vote to after all the island is ireland an belongs to us Irish

[@moodyyuhoody]

Spoof You exist because better nations allow you too. No army , airforce or even a blooming Navy. What you goin to fight with , hunger strikers? Lol

[@austinbourke9292]

tell that to Vladkar

[@michael37377]

@@moodyyuhoody Historically neutral nation doesn't have a large military - I'm shocked! You're some pup for working that out 👌

[@greatchalla3799]

The housing in Northern Ireland in general is better, the medicare system is free, housing affordability is cheeper compared to similar places in the South and the homeless population isn’t as high as in Dublin and other cities in Eire. Law’s need to made protect people who are discriminating against for being Northern Irish by the Irish people living in Eire.

[@michael37377]

@@greatchalla3799 Housing is better in the North? Do you mean quality? In which case it's basically the same. Housing affordability is cheaper but in turn the wages are substantially lower for most people so it balances out. Healthcare is free, but just because something is free doesn't make it better. I'd much rather pay for my healthcare if it got me high quality access such as the system in Germany. Homelessness is similar, it just isn't as visible because Dublin is a densely populated area with a higher concentration in the city centre. Could you elaborate on what you mean by laws which discriminate against 'Northern Irish'? Because I can't think of one.

[@Paul-sh5nq]

I’d love to see a United Ireland as I’m from the Republic of Ireland. But people should remember that we should NOT go shoving this down the throats of the Unionist community as their traditions from the 12th of July should remain unchanged. They status quo should remain from street names to television and radio stations.

[@garymacdonald7165]

Northen Irish people love being part of the exciting 🇬🇧 UK! Being part of religiously fanatical little 🇮🇪Ireland is far too boring for them😂

[@aengusryan5948]

Ummm, not sure about that Gary. Brexit and the idea of deporting people to Rwanda may have put a little dampener on the excitement as you call it.

[@anniegrath1417]

Part of the exciting Uk 🤷‍♂️. and costing us mainlanders almost 20billion per year to bank roll under 2 million citizens, it’s not sustainable going forward for us hard pressed taxpayers!

[@aengusryan5948]

@anniegrath1417 absolutely. The last time Northern Ireland wasn't in deficit was 1966. So you guys in Britain have been topping them up ever since. Roughly 10 billion per year, and virtually nothing in return for your expense. Surely that money would be better spent on the roads of England, the NHS, Welsh schools etc etc

[@corkboy4523]

Religiously fanatical? It’s 2024 pal, not 1934! 😂

[@Jcolbert123]

Can you see the excitement in all those faces forced to used food banks? Britain is so exciting their politicians are compared to heads of lettuce.. and with Liz Truss, the head of lettuce won. Britain is so exciting that covid contracts can be freely given out to friends and family. Rwanda! Britain is so exciting, its military is calling for conscription.

[@leonstone4738]

For the record I am from Ballymena and have also lived for short periods in:Carrickfergus, Ballyclare, White Abbey, Dundonald and Dungannon, amongst both Catholics and attended both Schools, with former friends in all areas. I have spend the last 65 years living in Canada and Australia. Question: Why in Gods name is the Palestinian flag flowing along side the tricolours? Palestinians have absolutely nothing in common with Catholics, Protestants or anyone else other than Iran. They recite 27 times each day, death to rats and pigs, which is all infidels, meaning everyone other than radical Muslims. Palestine is NOT a country, it is a name given to Israel by the Romans during their control of Israel. Each and every one of you read both the old and New Testament in the catechism every single day at school. The Israel flag should be flying beside both the Union Jack and the Tricolours. Why you ask? Israel is fighting for the World not just itself. If Israel lost (which it wont) you would be next. Look whats happening in England, Scotland and Wales right now! It not just about the flag, it’s about them Vs us. The Palestinians are NOT our friend be you Catholic or Protestant. Be Irish first and foremost regardless of religion, creed or colour. Jews in the other hand have everything in common with Jewish people. Every single Holiday celebrated by Catholics and Protestant is based on the Jewish Holidays.The Catechism and Bible follow both the old and New Testament. Fact, there are more Jews in the Republic than the North. The first Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Herzog was a Rabbi in Belfast, then Dublin before becoming Chief Rabbi of Israel in 1948, his son who was born in Belfast, served with distinction as an officer in WW2 became President of Israel and his son in turn is the current President of Israel. There isn’t one Palestinian, Muslim or Arab with a connection to both Northern Ireland and the Republic and certainly not a distinguished relationship as Jewish people or Israel. The Jewish area in Belfast, although small, has been there a long time. Perhaps this note has provided you with an alternative point of view. If s please share it with other Irish people regardless of religion. Shalom. Israel strong and mighty in battle. WeIrish are also strong and mighty in battle. Great to see Leo the Vulture resign today. Think good less the Republic people stood up and started fighting back for their country before it goes like Scotland, Wales and most of England.

[@matthewbrady1562]

People see the similarities of oppression from a stronger enemy though there are many differences between the Irish/British conflicts and Israel/Palestine. Also, Irish people, amongst all other peoples across the world, hate seeing women and children killed and thousands have died already...

[@wor53lg50]

​@@matthewbrady1562and the people will no longer put up with woke commie traitors from within either..

[@seanquinn4540]

Dumb comment. You don't see the irony of the British flag next to the Israeli one? Despite Zionist terrorism and Zionist militants killing British soldiers and civilians.

[@edwardandrews4087]

Palestinians had their land taken away from them as well and given to European settlers

[@umbertotoni3021]

Reunify Ireland and be part of Nigeria.

[@allancrotch2953]

An Irexit is more like it.

[@Evemeister12]

Ireland won't leave the EU.

[@murpho999]

Not a chance. Nobody but idiots want that.