PETER Robinson has called for the creation of a think tank to sell the merits of the union ahead of a potential border poll.
The former DUP leader, who has previously urged unionism to prepare for a referendum on Irish unity, accused those who fail to recognise the issue’s importance of “complacent and dangerous thinking”.
His remarks came a day after Taoiseach Micheál Martin ruled out a border poll within the next five years.
Writing in the News Letter, in what is expected to be a fortnightly column, the former first minister argues that more immediate concerns are prioritised by unionist politicians at the expense of long-term, strategic thinking.
He believes that advocating for the maintenance of the constitutional status quo “should be the routine duty” of unionists but warns of the need to acknowledge a “much greater task in preparing for the predictable showdown” – namely a referendum on Irish unity.
“I know there are border poll deniers who think such a referendum will never be called or believe that to talk about and prepare for a plebiscite creates momentum that will speed its arrival.
“I do not subscribe to such complacent and dangerous thinking.”
He notes that in the past “when the union was in peril”, unionist parties worked together for a shared objective but says their collective efforts were short-lived and largely ineffective due to “party political interests, differences, priorities and suspicions”.
Mr Robinson urges the creation of a permanent think tank or working group to “carry out research and provide material proclaiming the benefits of the union”.
Such a group would share its research findings with unionist politicians, enabling them to “augment their arguments”.
The former DUP leader says the think tank should “not be packed with safe hands”.
“It should be very widely drawn from the pro-union community and consist amongst others of academics, professionals and additional specialists along with a small representative group of unionist influencers.
“The group’s agenda would involve researching and compiling papers demonstrating the benefits of the union from the viewpoint of each sector and aspect of life.”
It would “prepare analytical responses to propaganda” and counter reports that “undermine the pro-British case or promote a united Ireland”, while preparing an “evidence-based case” for maintaining the union in the event of a border poll.
“The case for the union is compelling and logical but we should never be complacent.
“As we approach Northern Ireland’s centenary, today’s unionists must show the same drive, dynamism and determination to deliver.”
He says victory in a referendum for the status quo would depend on a “steady and consistent espousal of the real value of United Kingdom membership, not a three-week splash”.
“It will depend as much on those who are pro-union but do not vote for a party with unionist in its title and those who do not normally vote at all.
“It will depend on people from all backgrounds and minorities realising the union is the best option.”
Mr Robinson concludes by agreeing with his successor Arlene Foster, who in 2017 warned that the backstop was a threat to the integrity of the UK and that it was a time for “care and vigilance”.
“I couldn’t agree more – moreover, she also pointed out that the union is a two-way process and maintaining it must not be the job of people here alone nor should we only direct our arguments to those who live in Northern Ireland.
“Above all she proffered the advice that we must make the union more appealing to everyone in our society.”
