It’s a terrible thing to say, but there must have been newsmen and women who were glad to hear about that huge bomb in Baghdad the other day which killed over a hundred people. Not that newsmen and women are more heartless than the rest of us; it’s just that some of them must have begun to run out of things to say about the BREXIT decision.
They may be bored – we may even be bored – but BREXIT remains a front-page headline because it continues to send out aftershocks, not just throughout Europe, but throughout the world. However, let’s confine ourselves for the moment to these two islands off the mainland of Europe.
The BREXITeers who trumpeted the trading possibilities of an EU-free Britain have gone rather quiet of late. When confronted, they’ll say yes, we’ll save lots of money and yes, there will be more money put into the NHS. And that’s about it. How much will the NHS get? Not sure. Dunno. What about immigration? Hard to say – but it’ll be fine, it’ll be fine. You get the impression that they really don’t know where to go or what to do from here on in. In that respect you could say Boris Johnson has been more honest than his assassin Michael Gove: he’s had one look at what Britain might face and has ducked out of leading his country.
Then there’s this island. What’s that – I should be talking about Northern Ireland, never mind the south? I think not. Because suddenly unionists are doing what many would have thought unthinkable: they’re looking at and listening to the south of Ireland. Why? Because the south has got what we don’t have and most of us at least would really like to go on having : EU membership.
We on this island face a giant problem, in terms of cross-border trade, if BREXIT is implemented. Can we in the north benefit from our shared border with the EU? Can we somehow use the border as our main argument for special terms in the event of an implemented BREXIT? In fact – and this is where you can feel the ground shifting beneath your feet – would it not make more sense for the north to be working with the south to minimize all-Ireland trade disruption? Or – and this is where you catch your breath – would it be possible to turn from Britain, link arms with the south and march into the EU?
Such talk, of course, will be disowned by every unionist politician of every stripe. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking about it or even discussing it. When the country which you’ve always viewed as your saviour, the country which you claim to be a part of – when that country has come up with a decision which has reduced many of its citizens, especially the young, to tears and near despair, you begin to wonder about possible alternatives. In fact it wouldn’t be stretching the truth to say that as the ties that bind Britain to the EU are severed, the sound of the ties binding the UK together are groaning and creaking louder and louder. Can they take the strain? An awful lot of people doubt it. If something isn’t done to pre-empt it, stand by for a loud twang/snap sound from the U in the UK. Something’s gotta give.
Great piece mainly because it’s how I feel/think. Smiley face.
If Brexit confirmed “United” Kingdom dead in the water. How ironic for Arlene that she hastened it’s demise.
Ireland and Scotland a celtic symphony, together in Europe.
“Ireland and Scotland a celtic symphony, together in Europe”
Dream on
You are assuming too much if you think it is only unionists who would be against linking arms with the south and marching into the EU.
You might not like the speed it is happening, but things are changing Jude.
Britain is lowering its corporation tax to match Irelands which is a major change and just wait until the extra tariffs are imposed by the EU on Irelands largest export market?
These things will take time but will be major game changers
Do you think Ireland will break ranks with the rest of the EU Jessica in order to secure favourable terms? There’s a lot of bluster at the moment with the EU saying that they won’t do a “special” deal with the UK, however the size of the UK trade could force a compromise.
If Ireland left the EU as you wish I doubt they would get favourable terms that a country the size of the U.K. could get. Ireland is simply to small and weak.
Scott, every nation within the EU will do what is best for that nations people or while democracy still exists in those nations they will be voted out. It is as simple as that.
The UK has an enormous trade deficit with the EU and those countries such as Ireland and Netherlands for example who benefit the most will of course leave – it would be madness not to. Plus they have been negotiating such since 2014 anyway and every report that has been released commits to the common area agreement with Ireland.
Now, before considering trade arrangements between Ireland and the EU, 95% of Irelands trade goes to the UK or outside of the EU.
5% trade under the WTO arrangements is available immediately and would suit Ireland fine if there is a new deal with England that would be in the best interests of the Irish people. Not to mention the millions of Irish people living in England and regardless of animosities north south and in between, whether we like it or not we are and always will be one country no matter how many states popup or disappear over time.
young people reduced to tears and near despair.there wasnt much sign of it on saturday night as i was driving through the city centre they all seemed happy and full of the joys of life the way young people should be.after all its the young people who will see the benefits of brexit,your right on one thing itll be fine.
I hear ‘creaks and strains’. And I’m waiting for the ‘twang/snap’.
But its not about the ‘U’ in the UK.
Methinks its the ‘U’ in the EU.
And as the gangsters wheel in their doom merchant ‘presstitutes’ to talk up the case for a repeat ‘neverendum’……
Well….. the markets just keep gettin’ better – £155BN increase last week in FTSE – up 7%
Exports up due to lower £
Corporation tax to be reduced to 15%
US, South Korea, Australia, India and N.Zealand line up at British foreign office to conduct trade deals.
And yet the crooks will begin their plan of enforced legal wrangling to elongate the process into perpetuity – in genuflecting to their political ‘whores’ and corporate masters.
But Alas – All to no avail.
Because the Brexit ‘touchpaper’ has been lit.
And as sure as ‘night follows day’ – Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden will follow.
What is it about the Irish?
Are we really that thick?
Or is it the Liars that lead us !
Jude can you omit my name from the comment just posted. Typo error.
Will hasten to do so, Tr
Which blog is it on Tr?
Wow ! Two for the price of one Jude.
You’ll find both names, on many other blogs also.
Fantastic.
Great to see my message being repeated.
Keep up the good work:)
TR – what do you mean? The ‘name’ of the person who posts a comment shows beside it. What is happening to your comments or what would you like done? Remember, I’m working from a totally different lay-out when I approve comments…
No worries Jude. Just different names for different blogs.
Appreciated.
I hear ‘creaks and strains’. And I’m waiting for the ‘twang/snap’.
But its not about the U in the UK.
Methinks its the ‘U’ in the EU.
And as the gangsters wheel in their doom merchant ‘presstitutes’ to talk up the case for a repeat ‘neverendum’……
Well….. the markets just keep gettin’ better – £155BN increase last week in FTSE – up 7%
Exports up due to lower £
Corporation tax to be reduced to 15%
US, South Korea, Australia, India and N.Zealand line up at British foreign office to conduct trade deals.
And yet the crooks will begin their plan of enforced legal wrangling to elongate the process into perpetuity – in genuflecting to their political ‘whores’ and corporate masters.
But Alas – All to no avail.
Because the Brexit ‘touchpaper’ has been lit.
And as sure as ‘night follows day’ – Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden will follow.
What is it about the Irish?
Are we really that thick?
Or is it the Liars that lead us !
One thing that is outrageous yet not surprising given how poor the political discourse in NI, is how little the consequences of cross border trade have been discussed pre & post referendum.
There is not going to be a free trade deal between the U.K & the E.U. this means tariffs for cross border trade. This is going to have a devastating impact on the attempts to rebalance our economy away from the public sector to the private sector.
Who is going to set up a new business now that it will cost a fortune to sell goods & services to our main export market south of the border?
Why should the UK want a free trade deal with the EU? The EU should have to pay to have the same deal maintained as it was grossly in their favour.
When they do put tariffs on, they will work both ways and it will hurt Irelands economy most. But it will also be an opportunity for Ireland and other EU nations, but only outside of the EU as the EU will not allow Ireland or individual nations to benefit at their expense.
A haircut, Esteemed Blogmeister, is a term which has taken on a financial persona in fairly recent times. This is only as it should be.
Even as one taps the keyboard of one’s laptop a, erm, Barbershop Quartet is currently meeting in Dublin Castle, going forward. Where the Moolah, in general, is top of the agenda and Moolah Uladh in particular. It might be said they are there to practice their scales, that would be, their salary scales as that is what they are paid to do (tips optional, but, nonetheless, appreciated).
L to R, this quartet consists of:
Martin McGuinness, Arlene Foster, Enda Kenny and Charlie ‘Je suis Charles’ Flanagan.
Now, at first glance one might well assume that this is a 3-1 make up where the majority of the quartet are currently in favour of a United Europe/ United Ireland sorta thingy. Or maybe even, in favour of the opposite.
Could it be that it is actually he who is on the extreme left of the Barbershop Quartet (see above) who is the Sweeny on his, erm, Todd?
Consider, s’il vous plait / led thoil the following:
1. When it comes to a choice between Fein and Feighan (Sinn and Frank, respectively) it is a no-campaigner: Caligula Kenny appointed the failed TD, Frank Feighan of Fine Gael to Seanad Eireann specifically to say neigh to a 32 C and yea to renewed membership of the Commonwealth (British).
2. The DUP, the party of which Arlene Foster, is the Chieftess, grew out of the musical genre known as the Doo-Wop. This is the genre which actually developed from the style known as the Barbershop Quartet and so today’s performance marks a return of sorts of the lead singer-sewing machine to her roots, her haircut roots.
The Doo-Wop format is a one which features a high-tenor (Arlene is one of the finest counter tenors of our times), and a bass singer reciting the lyrics in the middle of the song (c.f. CF above). It is a genre which is built upon vocal harmony (featuring finger clicking to the rhythm of a 26 C country and a 26 C continent) , nonsense syllables and simple lyrics to the point of simple-mindedness., Enda-lessly.
Coincidentally, the DUP and Fine Gael are bonded by a common colour which continues to this very momentous day: blue. Blue of shirt, blue of skirt.
From the onset, both parties, north and south of the Black Sow’s Dyke, gathered at street corners (cf. General Duffy whose title was honorific like that of Colonel Parker or Duke Ellington or Count Baisie himself ) to sing a capella arrangements, using worldless onomatopeia to mimic instruments: thus, the bass sang ‘bom-bom-bom’, the guitar was rendered as a ‘shang-a-lang’ and the brass riffs as ‘doo-wop’ which gradually morphed in a minimalist kinda way to D.U.P.
Take for instance this doo-wop version of Blue Moon, that Rodgers and Hammersmith classic:
-Bom ba ba bom ba bom bom bom
Bomb ba bomb a bom ba ba ba
Blue moon, moon, moon, moon
Blue shirt, shirt, shirt, shirt, shirt.
Later on, the Doo-Wop developed from being totally male to integrating female singers. A prime example of which were The Shirelles. In fact their contemporary tribute duette, are called the Shrills (featuring Arlene and Theresa) whose current, erm, release is a cover version of the original group’s big hit:
-Will you still Gove me tomorrow ?
3. Oh, and did one mention that the man universally known as the Godfather of Doo-Wop is a man called (gulp) Kenny. Bill Kenny aka Mr.Ink Spot whose mouth music is heard on (gasp):
-Your feet’s too big.
“Later on, the Doo-Wop developed from being totally male to integrating female singers. A prime example of which were The Shirelles. In fact their contemporary tribute duette, are called the Shrills (featuring Arlene and Theresa) whose current, erm, release is a cover version of the original group’s big hit:
-Will you still Gove me tomorrow ?” – Perkin, you are the Master. (And I haven’t even mentioned your squelching coda: “Your feet’s too big”…Thou wast not born for death, immortal Perkin/No hungry generations tread thee down…
GRMMA, Esteemed Blogmeister.
Personally, one puts it down to the Kolossal Kollins Karaoke machine. It gives one’s inner Walter Mitty an itty, bitty chance to strut one’s stuff.
Just put the words up, the backing track a-rolling and one is happy to take the mike. Surprised more folk don’t indulge.
Keep it going, Karaoke King. As Kitchener said: your country needs your Karaoke.
PS. Did a spot of channel hopping yesterday yesterday: switching from Clones where the goal count in the first international game was 5-2 in favour of Tyrone against Cavan to Bordeaux where the game ended with a similar g.c.: France 5- Iceland 2.
Is this an example of, erm, Cloning ?
Very good Perkin
Perhaps we should indeed consider the all Ireland GAA event an international tournament.
Many of the southern GAA clubs already see it that way anyhow
Jessica
Yeahhhh
And the EU will offer preferential rates/tariffs to Countries outside of the EU particularly when they will be attempting to dissuade other Countries from following the same deluded path(and it’s me who needs to dream on???)Uks decision to leave EU will be a game changer for many. Maybe not decisive but when was the last time you seen North Down and West Belfast voting the same way?
Anyway 20 years down the line our children can reflect on the decision from their mud huts.
Sure they will.
They have been in economic decline for 20 years, fact.
Italy, Spain and Greece have ridiculous debt and deficits, fact.
If the UK take one more net contributor such as Netherlands with them, Greece would bail on their debt and the whole EU will go into crisis.
I do agree there will be economic warfare which has already begun and we have chosen sides it seems.
Jessica,
Its no accident that countries in the EU are running up massive debts and causing massive economic problems. Economic chaos has always been a dream come true for political parties who seek to get a foothold on the ladder to power but its also an opportunity for the rich and powerful to persuade people of radical change, change they would never have considered at any other time.
The Nazis would never have gained power (by Democratic vote, by the way) if the Wall Street Crash had not occurred and Gustav Stresemann had not have died. Stresemann’s policies were getting Germany back on its feet thanks to his deals he done with the USA in regard to sustainable loans and with a reduction of reparations to the likes of France/Britain. When the Hyperinflation of the Weimar Republic came along that’s when the Germans had enough and voted for Nazism. Hyperinflation was so bad that it cost over 1.2 Trillion Marks for a cup of coffee and kids could be seen playing in the streets with blocks of paper money, that’s how valueless the currency was.
Lenin and the Bolsheviks would never have gained power in Russia if it had not have been for the chaos of World War 1. Lenin himself even said many times in his writings that the Soviets will not come to power in his lifetime, he predicted they would only come to power when Capitalism “runs out of steam” and people turn on each other. Indeed whilst going to a very important meeting on the Eve of the Russian Revolution Lenin was so nervous and excited he was giving lectures to everyone, even strangers, on Communist theory and policies…..
The EU is doing the same as the Nazis and the Communists, they are creating and taking advantage of economic chaos. Whilst this is all going on they are telling people that the best way to sort out the chaos is for closer integration of the EU and hence a United States of Europe and most people will be fooled into believing it. In 2011, Ireland voted in favour keeping spending deficits to below 3%. If we spend over this then we get fined by the EU. So basically the EU now has power over Ireland’s spending, maybe the most important aspect of any country…..
“Whilst this is all going on they are telling people that the best way to sort out the chaos is for closer integration of the EU and hence a United States of Europe and most people will be fooled into believing it. In 2011, Ireland voted in favour keeping spending deficits to below 3%. If we spend over this then we get fined by the EU. So basically the EU now has power over Ireland’s spending, maybe the most important aspect of any country”
These things aren’t going to change within the EU. Germany and its bank will control the EU indefinitely. Control over debt and the valuation of the currency will trump individual nation capital investments and job creation efforts. This will force Ireland into long term economic adjustments (no or limited pay increases) along with austerity measures for the foreseeable future and will prohibit reunification.
I would love to hear the views of an economist on the chances of Irish reunification within the EU.
From my admittedly limited understanding, Ireland would need an exception from current rules such as the 3% deficit you mention and 60% debt ceiling which would be required even though there would be potentially significant return on investments in the medium term for a unified Ireland as well as the benefits to our people if we could resolve our differences which are growing not receding.
These protections for the German bundesbank will not be dropped for any individual nation within the EU and therefore anyone thinking Ireland can even possibly be reunited while applying with these terms is mistaken.
Had a brexit not happened, it would take 50 years for the northern economy to meet reunification targets.
With brexit, should a favourable agreement be achievable with England in a new economic arrangement both between our islands and other strong trading nations with them, then there is an opportunity for Irish unification within a new arrangement which could potentially have sufficient support from unionists and that would allow Ireland to borrow and grow our economy as a single entity.
Unfortunately we are faced with people being unable to see beyond North Down and West Belfast voting the same way, even though it was for totally different reasons and more out of confusion than consensus.
Hyperinflation happened between 1921-1924 Ryan and came well before the rise of the Nazi’s.
Stressemann was the chancellor who fixed it through securing America loans, introducing a new currency (the rentenmark I think) and ending the French/Belgium occupation of the Ruhr.
The Wall Street crash in 1929 which caused a withdrawal of American loans and massive unemployment is what caused the rise of the Nazis and not the Hyperinflation crisis.
I believe Hitler was still in jail during the Hyperinflation crisis after the Munich Putsch.
Gc188
‘Anyway 20 years down the line our children can reflect on the decision from their mud huts’
Gc – 20 years down the the line the EU will be a detail of history – filed under the ‘Failed Global Projects’ section.
If our children are reflecting in their ‘mud huts’ – it will be because these pscho-gangster-globalists in NATO pushed the ‘Samson’ button.
Great piece Jude. Agree totally
Grma, Ethna…
Oh and by the way,
Whatever happened to the MP Jo whatsername…. ? murdered by a psycho with no politics.
Or was she – (God rest her)- just a convenient ‘pitstop’ to galvanise fanaticism against decent people who wanted out of the EU prison.
Now to become another forgotten detail of history.
“If something isn’t done to pre-empt it, stand by for a loud twang/snap sound from the U in the UK”
Hence one of the main reasons why I voted Leave. But I suppose it would’ve made more sense for me to vote Remain because the only way the UK could stand a very good chance of breaking up would be for one or more of its countries voting for Remain whilst the rest drag it out. Thankfully this has happened, especially in regard to Scotland but also NI voted to Remain while England is dragging us out. If all of the UK voted Leave then there would’ve been no hope of a new Scottish Independence Referendum or a Border Poll.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has suggested an All Ireland forum to deal with Brexit matters but of course Arlene Foster doesn’t agree, she doesn’t like the idea of people here coming together and working through these very serious issues. I find it utterly intolerable that 15% (and declining) of the population of this island is obstructing the democratic wishes and aspirations of 85% of the population and has been for literally centuries. Its absolutely ridiculous. That’s not mentioning we have a biased SoS who thinks she can lecture Irish Nationalists and whose ancestor said that the Irish who were starving to death during the “Famine” should be “Left to their fate”. Radical change needs to happen here in Ireland, North and South.
We still haven’t heard of any plan from Unionist politicians who supported Leave as to how we will replace the EU funding we will be losing, how we’re going to attract investment now that we’re even more unattractive for business, etc. Indeed the “Silver Bullet” of reducing Corporation Tax in order to attract up to 50,000 jobs to NI is now dead in the water. Westminster has screwed Stormont over (yet again) by proclaiming that UK Corporation Tax will be reduced to below 15%, making NI far less attractive for investment compared to England and especially the Republic. Companies are hardly going to chose NI over England or Scotland just for a 2.5% decrease in a Tax bill. It was a different story when the UK’s Corporation Tax was 28%, bringing NI’s tax rate in line with the Republic’s (12.5%) would’ve made us very competitive and could’ve produced up to 50,000 new jobs. But that’s gone now, Thanks to Mother England. Oh how she looks after us……
But the people of the South don’t realize that Brexit has opened up great opportunities for them. Being the only major English speaking country in the EU (apart from Malta, which is a fraction the size of Ireland) can only be a good thing. So many businesses already have said they invested in the South because they are apart of the Eurozone, now that the UK has gone from the EU completely, you WILL see businesses turning away from the UK and investing in the South, mainly Dublin and Cork. It was no coincidence too that Vice President Joe Biden was staying in the South with his family for the week during the Brexit vote, its in US interests for them to have an Ally in the EU (though Ireland must NEVER join the Schengen area).
As the Shanghai Times (the biggest newspaper in China) said in 2010: “Ireland is the Gateway to Europe”……
“It was no coincidence too that Vice President Joe Biden was staying in the South with his family for the week during the Brexit vote, its in US interests for them to have an Ally in the EU (though Ireland must NEVER join the Schengen area). ”
So if the EU is so good for Ireland, why not join the Schengen area?