CHRIS Donnelly (Column February 15) makes a fair point about the "rudderless unionism”, not exactly a novel political insight. Though he ignores the "planless nationalism” being advocated by Harvey, Feeney and the like.
They bang on about a border poll without the courtesy to present a blueprint about how this new Ireland will be delivered.
They repeat a fantasy island mantra which simply suggests that a border poll will be the catalyst to create a new economic and political utopia. Come on, not that old chestnut.
Let me be clear, I am not against the creation of a new Ireland, but I have a vested interest in its successful outcome. Just a little reminder for those who suggest that the changing demography, otherwise known as a tribal dog whistle, will be the catalyst to a united Ireland; have we forgotten 100 years on that "majoritarianism” is not a route recommended for a successful political project. I agree that our working-class communities face huge challenges, but this ignores the utter failure of our political class to present a vision for our collective futures, let alone understand the challenges we as a society face. These include issues such as the future of work, the rapidly expanding digital economy, the need to reimagine education, growing wealth and income inequality and changing health needs as a consequence of changing demography etc, etc.
The last two things I would like to address in Mr Donnelly’s piece, one is Article 16. Let me be clear this was a monumental European Commission cock up. I believe the issues around the Irish Sea border can be solved if all parties, in particular the Irish and British government collectively in their self-interest sit down with the commission to sort out what clearly is not rocket science. This mess was created when political pragmatism was trumped by political short sightedness, political posturing and possibly a little of "kicking the Brits” (as per my letter in the Irish News in 2019 about the Colston statue) to which I am not completely opposed. So, let us get this sorted so our local politicians (for want of a better word) can focus on a pandemic which is destroying lives and the livelihoods of many of their constituents who are concerned not about Certificates of Origin but about putting bread on the table.
Suneil Sharma
Belfast
Citizens assembly would allow all voices to be heard on constitutional issue
A RECURRING theme in the argument against constitutional change is that the Northern state must first be made to work successfully. Irish citizens north of the border should therefore defer their right to self-determination in order to maintain an entity that embodies the negation of that right.
This argument unwittingly concedes that the success of the northern state requires the consent of those same Irish citizens. Political unionism however which still seeks to subjugate rather than celebrate Irish identity shows no sign of creating the conditions on which such consent could be built.
By contrast, as the recent Ireland’s Future online event ‘New Ireland – A Warm House For All’ demonstrated, there are those within civic unionism who are open to persuasion on constitutional change, will listen to the case being made and are in fact in favour of setting a date for a referendum.
Every writer in favour of constitutional change has repeatedly reaffirmed a commitment to the future safeguards for British identity built into the Good Friday Agreement.
In addition as political analysts have noted, unionists would likely hold sufficient seats in a reunified Ireland to form a coalition government, adding a further level of assurance on safeguarding identity. Indeed unionists can expect to receive more respect than they have themselves traditionally accorded others.
This is, therefore, absolutely the right time to commence the process of planning and preparation for constitutional change in Ireland.
As all voices from right across the island must be heard an all-island Citizens Assembly is the logical forum in which these voices can speak openly and honestly.
Paul Laughlin
Doire
Valuable and informative online debate
THE Ireland’s Future on-line discussion about Unionism and Irish Unity was an extremely valuable exercise.
And I feel it was appropriate, due to the seriousness of the subject discussed, that it should have been aired on the outlets selected to carry it.
Much better than the usual argy bargy confrontations we have seen on television for so many years.
It was informative and rational and portrayed a great sense of realism to what is a defining time for Ireland’s future.
The panel members brought to the scene their respective views without any rancour, anger or raised voices.
And I couldn’t help thinking how important it was to have such encouraging viewpoints, as made by panel members, brought to such a major audience.
Time and time it was mentioned how many people in Northern Ireland are well ahead of the politicians when it comes to thoughts of a new Ireland.
For there is no doubt a referendum, border poll, call you what you like, is coming sooner rather than later.
And it will be in all our interests, unionist, nationalist, republican and others to be well prepared for the stance they intend taking on it.
Such preparatory discussions can only be for the good in assuaging old myths, releasing new parameters and paving the way for a much better future for everyone on this troubled island.
So bring on more of them.
Michael Drake
Downpatrick
Politicisation of poppy must be challenged
THE victimisation of James McClean and his family should be unequivocally condemned by the powers that be in the FA and by all right-minded people. The new ‘tradition’ of putting poppies on football shirts, where a player has to request to have a shirt without one, singles out people like James McClean for this abhorrent treatment by uneducated and dark forces. The politicisation we have witnessed of the Remembrance Day poppy should be seen for what it is and challenged. I used to wear a poppy in remembrance of the brave people who died in the world wars fighting for our freedom. I do not now wear one in solidarity with James McClean and all free-thinking people everywhere.
John Moore
Harrow
London
