Unionism in general, and the DUP in particular, find themselves in a very isolated and lonely place, and despite trying to put the onus on others they have no one to blame but themselves.
Recent polls, the latest census figures and demographics all indicate a continuing decrease in the overall unionist vote and a continued increase in the nationalist vote. This does not mean that the DUP, or indeed the UUP, will lose their share of the electorate in a sudden crash, because the scare politics of unionism has the unionist voters fearful of any change in the political dispensation on this island. They have been so deceived and so frightened by their political leaders, of the fate that will descend on them if change is enacted, that many of them would rather suffer severe financial hardships than breaking any part of the link with the UK.
The DUP have consistently claimed that the NI Protocol is a danger to the union and an economic disaster for the six counties. Both of these claims are being used by the DUP to defend its indefensible stance on keeping local government out of action. Jeffrey Donaldson’s arrogance and the corner he has painted himself and his archaic party into leaves him no room to manoeuvre.
First of all, the NI Protocol is an economic measure and has no political strings attached and is no threat to the position of the north within the UK. The north’s membership of the UK is safeguarded by the Good Friday Agreement as long as there is a majority of the electorate in the six counties in favour of this. The protocol cannot change this and the DUP are very aware of this indisputable fact. Industry and most businesses are now clearly asserting that the ability to trade freely with Europe and the UK, as a direct result of the protocol, is bringing economic benefits to the north and giving it an advantage over the other regions of the UK.
This reality is beginning to permeate into society and it is becoming increasingly difficult to deny this fact, as Jeffrey Donaldson has discovered to his cost. His recent claims about the damage the protocol is supposedly doing to economic growth in the six counties have all been rebuffed by top economic and industrial groups. Unfortunately, there is increasingly becoming nowhere for the DUP to go as, like they have done so often in the past, they lacked political foresight when they decided on this course of action.
When our current secretary of state was asked recently if the DUP had a veto on any deal done over the protocol, he gave a one-word answer, No – a word that the DUP are renowned for being very familiar with. So the DUP will have no say over the final agreement between Britain and Europe, it will be a done deal no matter what the DUP says.
SEAN SEELEY
Craigavon, Co Armagh
We are on our way to a new Ireland
Most unionists, like most Irish nationalists/republicans, are decent people. They have their history and we have ours. Ireland has a peculiar history because of the British colonial involvement.
It seems to me that because of that British involvement in Ireland and the British policy of ‘divide an conquer’, most unionists appear not to want to live with the rest of us as equals. They seem to want to be always the dominant party – even though they are now a minority within the six counties.
Since the foundation of this artificial state, unionists have always been in control. However, in a modern democracy unionists must accept equality as the only basis for any kind of modern democracy.
When unionists accept this principle and work with ationalists/republicans to create a new democracy in Ireland we are on our way to a completely new situation on this island.
We are on our way to a new Ireland. Everyone then will be winners.
FR JOE McVEIGH
Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
We are all the same-ists at heart
Unionists and Irish nationalists living in Northern Ireland have become so staunch and unrelenting in their opposing faiths that new religions have been created. Unionism at any cost come what may. Irish nationalism at any cost come what may. What is the difference between a unitary Irish state and union with Britain? It’s much easier to imagine the similarities. What are the differences between a pre-Brexit and a post-Brexit Northern Ireland, for example? A whole political culture built around two ideas which are essentially identical in outcome. We think we live in a free society yet our choices have been limited deliberately to these two aspirations. It’s either union with Britain or a united Ireland and both are absolutely the same. Ireland is never going to be the Ireland romanticised by Irish romanticists and the Union with Britain is beyond romanticising.
LOUIS SHAWCROSS
Hillsborough, Co Down
People’s Historian will be sorely missed
Although I was aware that he was seriously ill I was shocked to hear the news about my friend Dr Éamon Phoenix. While we came from different religious backgrounds Éamon and I enjoyed a 20-year professional relationship and friendship. We spoke at several conferences and meetings and edited a book of essays together. We shared an interest in community history and Éamon would combine his encyclopaedic knowledge of Irish history with a mastery in telling historical anecdotes. For many people he made history come alive. He really was the People’s Historian and will be sorely missed.
DR ALAN PARKINSON
London
Unfolding history
Every morning when I get my Irish News I turn first to ‘On This Day’ which I have enjoyed for years. Last Wednesday to my surprise, it did not appear.
Turning to the front page I was saddened to read the reason why. I corresponded occasionally with Éamon and told him how reading his column was like living through unfolding history.
At dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
DAMIEN MAGUIRE
Maynooth, Co Kildare
