For Northern Ireland and the Republic, the imposition of any form of border controls or checkpoints would be disastrous, impacting on the free movement of people and goods with the probability of far-reaching political and security repercussions.
Throughout the post-Brexit discussions, the British government has made it clear it does not want to see a return to the hard border of the past, an aspiration that until now has come with little detail.
Yesterday, the government unveiled its plans for the border and the fact that it contained no proposals for controls or physical monitoring must be regarded in cautiously positive terms.
Indeed, after all the talk about using technology and CCTV cameras to keep track of vehicles and goods, the British position paper has opted for an approach that is effectively no change to the current arrangements.
What is proposed is a customs scheme which would mean that 80 per cent of businesses on the island - the small to medium enterprises that make up the bulk of cross-border trade - are exempt from new tariffs after the UK leaves the EU.
Slightly different arrangements would be in place for larger companies engaged in international trade.
Certainly, any plan that ensures an invisible border with no impediment to cross-border trade and travel, is a step in the right direction.
The question is whether this is the outcome we get after the negotiations with the remaining 27 EU member states are completed.
There is also likely to be pressure on Theresa May from those in Britain advocating a hard Brexit with Nigel Farage expressing concerns over the lack of immigration checks at the UK's only land border with the EU.
At this stage it is important to stress that the British government's plan is a negotiating position and we are a long way from agreement on the final post-Brexit arrangements.
Ultimately, it will come down to what is in the best interests of the people of this island and that is what political leaders must work towards.
