Opinion

Analysis: The strength of the debate about Ireland's future lies in the wide range of contributing voices

Jim Dornan, Kevin Meagher and Frances Black take part in a panel discussion at Beyond Brexit. Picture by Mal McCann
Jim Dornan, Kevin Meagher and Frances Black take part in a panel discussion at Beyond Brexit. Picture by Mal McCann Jim Dornan, Kevin Meagher and Frances Black take part in a panel discussion at Beyond Brexit. Picture by Mal McCann

SATURDAY’S ‘Beyond Brexit’ conference surprised a lot people, both by the numbers it attracted and the diversity of opinion represented on stage. As has been pointed out previously, political unionism was excluded, with the organisers making it clear that, initially at least, this is an internal conversation aimed at developing a consensual vision of what Irish unity might look like.

The inadvertent consequence of a growth in English nationalism, as manifested in the EU referendum result, is to have triggered a corresponding resurgence of Irish nationalism. But whereas the recent tide of English nationalism can be characterised as xenophobic, evoking the Dunkirk spirit and pining for the lost days of the British empire, its more mature Irish counterpart is increasingly seeking to be inclusive and outward looking.

The groundswell movement that has emerged across Ireland in response to Brexit has been quick to learn lessons from the shambolic, cack-handed manner in which Britain has sought to extricate itself from the EU. The lack of preparation for Brexit and the absence of a clear vision of what the post-EU landscape would look like has ingrained division and thwarted any agreed outcome.

Observing this chaos from across the Irish Sea and noting its potential impact on the border, has led to the realisation among nationalism of all shades that simply achieving a numerical majority in the north favouring unification is a clumsy route to take and one that is unlikely to result in an agreed Ireland. As SDLP leader Colum Eastwood noted, the vision of a new Ireland needs “definition and detail”.

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Belfast-based solicitor and conference co-organiser Niall Murphy opened Saturday’s proceedings by drawing parallels between the unexpected appearance of his “beloved” St Enda’s GAA club in an All-Ireland final next month and the circumstances that have reignited the widespread desire for Irish unity.

“I have seen how history and identity, timing and preparation and the taking of opportunity can reshape history and positively define and improve lives,” he said.

But Mr Murphy also highlighted the unwelcome inconveniences that Brexit may yet give rise to, and how he is keen to avoid a scenario where his children would have to “endure the ignominy of being stopped at Newry or Derry, when travelling to Croke Park for a match, or to Donegal for a holiday”.

His address clearly illustrated how the issues UK’s exit from the EU with Northern Ireland as a reluctant passenger are both micro and macro but ultimately require the same solution.

Fine Gael Education Minister Joe McHugh stressed how Dublin had ensured the concerns of northern nationalists were the fore in the EU’s negotiations with the the UK and how he’s determined provide more certainty around the future arrangements for northern students studying in southern universities.

However, the Fine Gael government’s Brexit record to date was criticised by Irish News columnist Brian Feeney, who said a “fixation on the backstop and trade” meant the rights of Irish citizens in the north had been left behind.

“Warm words butter no parsnips,” Mr Feeney said.

Elsewhere, in an event that was arguably too heavy on speeches at the expense of dialogue, we heard how Brexit had moved north Down obstetrician Jim Dornan from a position of “soft unionism to soft nationalism” and how those who aspire to a united Ireland were more than capable of having internal conversations while at the same time talking to unionists.

Where this project moves next remains to be seen but it’s clear that its strength lies in the broad range of voices contributing to the debate. That inclusiveness needs to prevail if momentum is to be maintained.

As, Fianna Fáil deputy leader Dara Calleary stressed, the conversation must continue “in the community halls and around the kitchen tables” and the more people who speak the greater the validation of their voices.