The Good Friday Agreement I believe makes a united Ireland inevitable. It is a written international agreement by London and Dublin to implement Irish unification once there is sufficient support for it. That means Britain have already agreed to give up the north and Dublin have agreed to accept it into its jurisdiction.
But it is not without conditions.
The Good Friday Agreement recognises two traditions, those who are British who want to keep Ireland divided and those who are Irish and want to see their country reunited. It makes it quite clear that unification will ONLY be implemented if achieved through totally peaceful and democratic means. It also makes it quite clear that both London and Dublin have already given their consent and the remaining decision must be made by the people of Northern Ireland alone and without any external influence or pressure.
Beyond this, it is pretty vague and means all things to all people which is probably the only way it could have reached agreement in a polarised society bereft of trust. It is also designed to pretty much guarantee unification at some point in the future and has already a failsafe built in, in case the first attempt fails allowing further attempts to be made pretty much indefinitely but with a minimum of 7 years between each attempt.
To translate, it is a peace accord for dummies, to dangle the carrot of freedom and independence high enough that it can only be reached with the help of a healthy majority which will be easier achieved sooner the more generous we are towards the British partitionist but at the same time, guaranteeing it will happen at some point in the future as opinion dictates. In other words, nationalists can have independence sooner the more generous they are in reaching out to unionists. At the same time, the more intransigent unionism is in delaying the inevitable, the greater the risk that nationalism will be less generous when the numbers are in their favour.
Step 1 – Agreeing the timing for the first border poll
Step 2 – Agreeing what it is that the border poll will be offering if unification happens now
Step 3 – Providing the supporters of each option, the opportunity to present their case to the electorate through televised debate as per Scottish referendum and Brexit referendums
Step 4 – Hold the referendum and assess the result. If the result fails the option is parked for a minimum of 7 years or until the next census supports a repeat, if it succeeds then unification happens as per the terms agreed
Step 1 – Agreeing the timing for the first border poll
Unless there is clear agreement to hold one before then, the 10 year census should be used to assess the mood of the population towards a border poll, the next being in 2021
Step 2 – Agreeing what it is that the border poll will be offering if unification happens now
Once the decision to hold a border poll is made, it must be taken seriously and the people must be given a clear and informed choice to make.
At this point, I believe it is not only fair but imperative that both states become involved in discussions to ensure the options put forward are realistic and conducive to the direction the two states are going in. This must involve public consultations and allow the people of both these islands who have an interest their say on the pros and cons of unification, fears and desires etc… These discussions should continue until there is a clear set of genuine proposals rubber stamped for validity by both states that the people can vote on as to whether they want unification as per the outline agreed of if they do not feel the proposals go far enough at this point and believe it should be deferred for another generation to decide on.
Steps 3 and 4 are self-explanatory
There is no way of knowing what proposals will be decided on, basically nationalism puts forward what it thinks should be acceptable to a majority and the people vote.
The following I hope will kick start this thinking but more debate is needed.
It is my opinion, despite the differences of opinion that brexit highlighted, that the relationship between the nations on these islands will remain strong and if anything get closer together going forward. To consider England our enemy in 2016 is folly but at the same time, MI5 can have no further presence in Ireland. In order for MI5 to leave, I accept there can be no paramilitary groups in Ireland and this has to happen first.
There will be considerable savings for both states through unification. The recent study showed a potential savings of 36 billion over 8 years and this has to be reflected in the proposals as well as the benefits of guaranteed peace and stability.
There are also unknowns over brexit so I will make the following assumptions.
I expect Scotland will likewise consider its historic relationship with England as well as geographic proximity, shared infrastructure and trade relationships to be worth saving and will not create a border within Britain especially after seeing the damage it caused in Ireland. The exact same difficulties would I believe arise in Scotland.
England is currently discussing trade agreements throughout the world especially around commonwealth nations.
Let’s assume the UK is dissolved with a new relationship on these islands established.
Instead of the British isles implying Ireland is owned by Britain, they become the Anglo-Celt isles with a united and independent Ireland and an independent Scotland respecting the differences in opinion over brexit.
All would use Sterling and a new banking arrangement established with sterling shared over England, Scotland and Ireland with shares based on wealth.
While the nations would be sovereign to the most part, there would be an agreed federal union to ensure all of or economies remain strong in a global market and we have the best possible trade deals.
The Anglo-Celt union should extend trade and special relationships to other close nations including India, Australia, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and South Africa among others.
The relationship with the EU should be based on this Anglo-Celt isles bloc which would maintain the common travel area of free movement within but should follow a points based means of controlling immigration in which should be open to the whole planet and no special treatment given to EU citizens.
That is quite a lot already so I will finish with a list of options on what a united Ireland might look like internally.
First of all, the financial incentive.
£36 billion should be made available over an 8 year period to help with the rebuilding of our economy and to help the unification process. The money will be split between the two states and released at various stages based on the successful meeting of financial and social targets being met. If any group go against the will of the people there will be financial consequences for all. This money will not be given to the muppets at Stormont to squander, but to a team of experts chosen by London and Dublin with sufficient access to both states to implement with economic competence for the benefit of our people throughout these islands.
Another group should be setup to establish a new Irish national health service. England is moving in one direction whereas the Irish NHS will more likely be closer to that in an independent Scotland and perhaps we could work together in preparing the ground work for a suitable system.
Likewise both Scotland and Ireland would have the freedom to reform their system of governance, parliaments etc… which do not have to follow the Westminster model which I don’t think suits either Scotland or Ireland.
More minor things include
The 12th July should become a national annual holiday in Ireland
Maximum of 20% of total school estate can be non-State schools at the end of 8 years
Irish citizen charter should be written to enshrine a more liberal society
Dissolution of the parades commission
Parade applications to local council
Councils will decide if financial penalties are issues as a result of violence
No memorials for any active paramilitary organisation
Memorials for past tense (historic) paramilitary groups will be permitted
A revival of the project at the Maze including the sports stadium which should be opened with a weeklong Gareth brooks concert fulfilling his commitment to the Irish people when he was let down by Dublin. Preferably to be available to help with hosting the rugby world cup in Ireland
A conflict museum to be developed around the hospital at the maze to become Irelands biggest grossing tourist attraction and to help pay to invest in economic growth while maintaining the high percentage of GDP to be spent on public services
I think that is enough to start the ball rolling.
You are assuming the British government intends to stick to its end of the agreement.
There is only one way to find out Michael
I wonder what the GFA position will be after the UK triggers article 50 to brexit. Whatever it is, it could well determine whether the the British government intends to stick to its end of the agreement.or indeed whether there is still an Agreement to stick to
Since the GFA is based on both the UK and Ireland being in the EU and the EU is an active participant in the peace process, could brexiting be considered breach of treaty?
Another point close to my heart is for Ireland to be 100% self sufficient on renewable energy and to invest in R&D in this area and export our expertise to other parts of the world.
I would also like to see investment in social housing which will create jobs especially around the border regions no bot sides which can also help with the current housing crisis in Ireland.
One glaring omission here is the triple lock principle, which pretty much guarantees a border poll won’t happen never mind reunification, a border poll can only be held if 3 conditions are met.
1- The Brit SOS has to call it.
2-It already needs to look like a foregone conclusion.
3-A majority of unionists have to agree to such a poll being held.
1 and 2 are the reasons why the SOS does not call a poll despite an occasional call for one by the shinners, it also has pretty much stifled the debate.
Regarding 3 one only has to look at the proposal for a referendum on marriage equality to know that the turkeys will not vote for Christmas.
I suggest you take another read at the GFA, it is the most ambiguous document ever drafted by the brits, but the triple lock principle is pretty clear.
“3-A majority of unionists have to agree to such a poll being held.”
You sure this is correct? I understand stand that it’s a majority of the total population of NI.
Two separate referendums as far as I know. One in NI and one in the ROI. If the majority in both vote for reunification only then can it happen.
I’m open to correct though if I’m wrong.
“Two separate referendums as far as I know. One in NI and one in the ROI. If the majority in both vote for reunification only then can it happen.”
I don’t believe there is a need for another one in ROI. As far as I know, both states have approved it already, the south through the 1998 referendum which covers unification when a majority in the north are mature enough to realise it is in our best interests.
I think RB is wrong on the need for a unionist majority. Hardly democratic and if that were the case, how come there isn’t a majority needed in Scotland and Ireland for brexit?
Then again, it wouldn’t be the first time they have overturned democracy and allowed a minority to overrule a majority in Ireland.
Scott
There would have to be two separate votes in order for unification to go ahead,one North and one South.
I think RB is referring to the conditions required to call one, but I was not aware of any need for a Unionist majority required before calling a referendum.
It is entirely up to the S.O.S. as I understand it.
Like you I am open to correction.
Maybe RB could link to the precise clause for us.
Thank you Gio
My understanding of how it would work is the same as you. Thought I’d missed something huge lol
To be honest, I have never heard of this triple lock RB and as most unionists voted against the GFA and most nationalists voted for it, I would say that if such conditions truly exist, all of the electorate here and the political parties here were clearly not made aware off it.
I cannot find any reference that says a poll can only take place when it looks like a foregone conclusion, or that a majority of unionists is required for either the poll or for the result to stand. I was always under the impression that a 50% + 1 majority was all that was needed, not 50% + 1 plus a majority of unionists.
Where did you read this RB?
I would like someone from Sinn Fein or SDLP to confirm if this is also their understanding as it would and should change everything if it is.
SCHEDULE 1
POLLS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECTION 1
1. The Secretary of State may by order direct the holding of a poll for the purposes of section 1 on a date specified in the order.
2. Subject to paragraph 3, the Secretary of State shall exercise the power under paragraph 1 if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland.
3. The Secretary of State shall not make an order under paragraph 1 earlier than seven years after the holding of a previous poll under this Schedule.
Nowt in there about any side having a veto comrade so your point 3 isn’t a point at all. Simple 50%+1 of those voting and it happens, end of.
What makes a SoS feel confident that a border pol would succeed, now that’s a different question. Election results? If so, which and hat needs to happen? Census results? If so, what tables? Poll results? If so, which ones? A mixture? If so…well you get the idea
18 years later and political nationalism haven’t even bothered to ask for clarity – how’s that for dedication? Getting an answer would show how big a task it is, why they haven’t asked is beyond me.
“The Good Friday Agreement I believe makes a united Ireland inevitable. It is a written international agreement by London and Dublin to implement Irish unification once there is sufficient support for it. That means Britain have already agreed to give up the north and Dublin have agreed to accept it into its jurisdiction.”
That was already the case before the Good Friday Agreement.
Not sure how it makes a ‘united Ireland’ inevitable.
Before the UK could approve and sign off on the Good Friday Agreement, the Queen would have to have approved the release of Northern Ireland out of her kingdom as otherwise it would really negate any authority she has remaining, reducing her to no more than the figure head of a tourism industry.
I have no evidence to suggest that is the case so will assume her approval is still relevant today.
I will also have to assume that England is genuine and will keep its word, otherwise it has been complicit in a deliberate deception over a peace agreement that the US were proud to have been part off. Not sure the US would take too kindly to find out they as well as us have been taken for chumps.
Again, the written agreement helps to allay those fears.
As for the inevitability.
The agreement is a one way street. It accepts unification is a valid aspiration, accepts to implement it when it is the wish of the majority and allows for a referendum to be held indefinitely until it is accepted, though at most once every 7 years.
That means the question will never go away until unification is achieved.
How on earth does that not make it inevitable MT?
“Before the UK could approve and sign off on the Good Friday Agreement, the Queen would have to have approved the release of Northern Ireland out of her kingdom as otherwise it would really negate any authority she has remaining, reducing her to no more than the figure head of a tourism industry.”
Eh? The Queen? What are you talking about?. The UK is a parliamentary democracy. Parliament decides not the Queen.
“I will also have to assume that England is genuine and will keep its word, otherwise it has been complicit in a deliberate deception over a peace agreement that the US were proud to have been part off. Not sure the US would take too kindly to find out they as well as us have been taken for chumps.”
England?
“As for the inevitability.
The agreement is a one way street. It accepts unification is a valid aspiration, accepts to implement it when it is the wish of the majority and allows for a referendum to be held indefinitely until it is accepted, though at most once every 7 years.”
That’s always been the case, except for the 7-year restriction.
“That means the question will never go away until unification is achieved.”
Again, that’s always been the case.
“How on earth does that not make it inevitable MT?”
Because it’s not inevitable that a majority will vote for it.
gareth brooks,is 54.if its taken 20yrs up to now to get nowhere you might have to book somebody else.
I will break my self imposed silence to say that is a fine well thought out post and deserves the attention of all the readers. For once it was not a waste of time to read the entire blog post.
No its not Jessica it’s a wish list from somebody who changes with the wind.
The only circumstances that I would start talking about a united Ireland would be
New flag
New Anthem
Irish removed as the National language
Full compensation for those unionists who wish to leave the state.
The end of Catholic schools
A clear bill of rights
And the right to retain the British passport
Will be interesting to see if anybody here would be prepared to give up the above for a united Ireland
“The only circumstances that I would start talking about a united Ireland would be”
You just did Robert, you just did.
“Full compensation for those unionists who wish to leave the state. ”
Just curious Robert
Why do you think there should be compensation for anyone to move anywhere?
Are you having a laugh?
Would that not be like paying the KKK to leave Alabama?
Would that not be like paying the KKK to leave Alabama?
Or IRA supporters leaving West Belfast or South Armagh?
Full compensation for those unionists who wish to leave the state. ”
Warped sense of entitlement anyone?
Why should the UK govt pay for people who wish to move from one part of the UK (or ex UK) to another?
I’ve never heard of the govt paying for transfers or moves, unless for workers within the Civil service or armed forces.
Similarly if somebody in a company gets allocated to a job elsewhere the company may help with re-allocation expenses . Ditto for top level jobs with a new company.
How do those generally accepted rules apply to NI Orangemen/Loyalists/Unionists?
Are they expecting to walk into top level jobs and nice housing in the rest of the UK?
wait till i ate this bap..
New Flag?
Perhaps
New Anthem?
Perhaps
Irish language removed?
Not sure why
Compensation?
From who, the British government I presume?
The end of Catholic school?
An end to all religious schools
A clear Bill or Rights?
Absolutely
British Passport?
Only the British government can give those out or take them away.
So no then Michael?
Didn’t see one no there at all Robert.
There was a few questions for you to elaborate on though.
The GFA already guarantees your right to keep your British passport and a bill of rights would be welcome.
But are you saying the bottom line for a dwindling unionist population should be no compromise whatsoever?
You do realise you are confirming everything I have been saying about unionism all along.
But then, what I have suggested goes further than anything in the GFA and is even now only a remote possibility over the outcome of brexit.
And you do also realise, if the above were agreed by all parts of these islands, there would be no more UK but an ACU, Anglo Celt Union, with independently sovereign nations within it and shared ownership of sterling? An Anglo Celt bank with a board made up of representatives of London, Edinburgh and Dublin financial sectors based on wealth so England would remain majority stakeholder.
You would no longer have a British passport but an Anglo Celt passport which may even have a nice harp on it.
So where would you be planning to go to? Scotland and England would be part of the new union and we would no longer be in the EU.
These talks are happening, at the moment it is being called the bank of Britain and shared between Scotland and England but I think they will need to go further to get Scotland to buy in and the above is a fair bet.
I would say with confidence, you wont be getting a penny to go anywhere unless it is additional money put forward by England out of its own pocket.
New flag/anthem, removal of Irish Language as national language – why not? As with any other democratic country the people get to decide what their national flag/anthem/national language should be. If the people want a new one, they got it chum.
Full compensation. This is a strange one. Is there full compensation now for people who wish to leave the state? Say Jessica here says “right, I’ve had enough of living in Tyrone, I am off to live in Donegal” – can she fill in a form of some kind to get full compensation? If not, why would there be one in the future? But again, if the people decide there should be one then great!
End of Catholic schools? Why on earth would you want an end to Catholic schools? You realize they are all over the world, right? Surely if you don’t want your kids to go to a Catholic school then you simply wouldn’t send send them, that’s your choice as a parent, but what about those who do? Your proposal takes their choice away, is that fair? Was an end of Catholics schools what you *really* meant?
Clear bill of rights? Amen sister, bring it on.
Right to retain the British passport? Another strange one. Do you think people will be sent around to take your passport and replace it with an Irish one? Would this happen to any other citizens of the world too? Or, and bear with me here, if you are British, French or Spanish before the vote you would be British, French or Spanish after?
I am not going to speak for Jessica here but what I think she is saying is that the people decide what does and doesn’t happen peacefully and democratically, the way it should be.
Absolutely Morpheus, nothing should be left off the table if it is what a section of our community actually want, no matter how absurd it may be to the rest of us.
I would draw the line at giving money for someone to relocate, though I cant see that being popular for those of us who wish to remain, which I would assume would be the majority.
You have go to question what type of mentality would only consider living somewhere, where they feel their race or culture was the dominant one and with the onset of equality would prefer to leg it. And expect to be compensated at the same time. Unbelievable
You left, ‘inventing a time machine’ of your list there Robert, sounds like someone wants a return to the ” good old days ”
Robert & Jessica
Speaking as an outsider (Englishman [Yorkshireman] living in County Mayo, a none Church going CoE father, with a Catholic son. A Unionist (as I believe in union within Europe), A Republican (as I believe in democracy and not which family you are born into), A Nationalist (as I believe in separate identities for individual nations) and a Loyalist (as I support Leeds United and will until I die, even though they are a complete laughing stock) 😉
New flag – Never has a flag been created with a greater meaning of peace, until maybe the new South African was brought in. The green represents the older Gaelic tradition while the orange represents the supporters of William of Orange. The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the ‘Orange’ and the ‘Green’. But if it is seen as an issue, a new nation, can have a new flag if that’s what the people decide. What about as a starting point use the St. Patrick Cross (as featured on the union flag) but instead of a white background, use the 4 primary colours of the 4 provinces? A point of the Union Jack is England, Scotland and Ireland feature. Wales don’t feature at all and to that matter neither does Northern Ireland.
New Anthem – Agree a new nation should have a new Anthem maybe U2 and Therapy? could join forces and come up with something or maybe Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh could do a show to like the people decide 😉 Do already find it strange that England and Northern Ireland use GSTQ (incorrectly IMO as it is the National Anthem of the UKoGB&NI not Eng or NI) and Scotland and Wales don’t). Another point on GSTQ why should God save ONLY one person, should God (whichever one) not save ALL of us?
Irish removed as the National language – Why?? As an official language of the European Union it gives the people of the Island of Ireland a massive advantage within Europe and the extra funding from the EU is a great help.
Full compensation for those unionists who wish to leave the state. If that is the case can I also claim some money, as I voted for the UK to remain in the EU?
The end of Catholic schools – What about the 1000’s in England, Scotland and Wales you want to ban them too? #FreedomOfChoice
A clear bill of rights – Agree
And the right to retain the British passport – I happily live, work and study in the RoI with my British Passport 🙂 However might change it to a RoI (EU) passport if Britain loses it freedom of movement with Europe.
Excellent contribution, Ben – many thanks for time and thought. One point of disagreement: U2. Don’t you think Ireland has suffered enough??
Ireland will only ever have one anthem in my heart Jude. 🙂
haha could change U2 to Westlife, Boyzone, Daniel O’Donnell or Jedward 🙂
Just another thought on “moving forward” maybe it is time RoI (re)joins the Commonwealth of Nations?
“32 members are republics and five are monarchies with a different monarch out of the 53 member states” (wikipedia.org).
You never know if RoI re-join USA may follow, stranger things have happened and we have no idea what will happen if the wall builder gets in.
Best not mention a United Ireland (football) Soccer team……..
“Never has a flag been created with a greater meaning of peace”
I agree with most of what you say Ben.
The problem is not the flag, but how it has been misused in the past.
I would prefer to repair that damage and restore the image of our flag to its original intent.
I grew up in Leeds in the 70/80s
The NF robbed my flag (St George’s Cross) and then the BNP came along and robbed my other flag (Union Jack). I would never fly them, like I fly the Mayo Flag to support their quest for Sam each summer. Also flew my Yorkshire Flag this summer first the first time here in Mayo on Yorkshire Day (1st August), lead to a few questions from the neighbours, but went down well. All flags should be for positive pride, and not letting the haters dictate their use. Look what that German (Austrian) fella did to the Swastika. The name swastika comes from the Sanskrit word svastika meaning “lucky or auspicious object” (wiki).
I’ve been very busy of late Jessica but thought I’d add my tuppence worth .Your post is well reasoned and worth some discussion. It seems that a united country is inevitable at some stage , given the fast rate of change regarding Brexit and inevitable Scottish independence. There’ll be a little foot-dragging but I imagine that we’ll eventually emd up with Federations within the isles, so the economics and attention to identity are key.
I’ve always said that unionism was perfectly happy within a United Ireland before the country was divided .They like to think of a connection to Britain but also like to think of themselves as separate too .The Irish Parliament voted to join the Union in 1801 when the then Kingdom of Great Britain became the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The full name of the UK then changed in 1922 when most of the Southern counties in Ireland choose independence and ultimately became what is now the Republic of Ireland, leaving the UK as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.The unionists got a little separate state which they basically made a mess of.That was then.
We live now in rapidly changing times where a growing number of people seek to re-assert their idea of themselves as , for example ,separate Englishmen and Englishwomen.Being “British” is all well and good ,but they want that “English” identity uppermost. They see themselves as very much differnt from those northern Scots or those Welsh…and certainly from those northern Irish who call themselves British .They might be British in their own minds …but dammit !….they’ll never be proper Englishmen with hearts of oak!!…and that is very true.That’s the mindset.Right there you have the foundations of two united islands with separate but compatible economies and identities .
If that idea takes a greater hold and it appears to be doing just that with the Brexit voting patterns, then questions should be asked how best to proceed with the real meat of the economics and what will actually work best. Current unionists might think it preferable to re-integrate with the rest of Ireland. Look at the numbers in the local Brexit vote….most in NorthernIreland want to remain “Europeans” for both economic and reasons of feeling European.
As for your other ideas up for discussion , such as flags and anthems.Well ,why not something new .I think anthems should have a fifty- year expiry date myself. That way we’ll never get bored with the damned ,droney things.I can think of a thousand better tunes and lyrics than any of those bloody dirges currently in use…i’d plump for a bit of Erik Satie or maybe even a proper tune like Jude’s beloved Gilbert and Sullivan’s back catalogue… rogers and hammerstein’s “Oh What A Beautiful Morning ” springs to mind..What could be more uplifting ?There are plenty of great tunes about.. ….Flags? !!!….Flags ….Smags@##! We can design a new flag that doesn’t harken back to ancient times and doesn’t divide us .Let’s try something novel for a change …a chequered flag …anyone? What about some nice zig-zags?Any bloody thing that won’t frighten the horses or set the nutjobs off on a rant or out into the streets on a burning spree!
I’ll draw the line at a Garth Brooks concert, mind. Now if they could resurrect Jimi Hendrix or a couple of dead Beatles and get them to give it a go ,I’d have some of that.Failing that Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds or the mighty Leonard Cohen might do …If we’re quick we might Leonard before he pops his ancient clogs.He’s getting up there now…As for your national holiday for the 12th of July , I think I covered that one way back at the beginning of my tenure , chained in the bowels of Jude the Blogmeister’s Merry Ship Of Debate and Debacle …but you can read it again right here…. I dare say that the idea could still be tweaked a bit more…
https://paddykool2.wordpress.com/stories-and-scribblings/healing-the-planet-beginning-with-northern-ireland/
“1- The Brit SOS has to call it.
2-It already needs to look like a foregone conclusion.
3-A majority of unionists have to agree to such a poll being held.”
Such ill-informed nonsense.
Seems to be confusion around two different documents perhaps.
GFA.
The agreement reached was that Northern Ireland would remain part of the United Kingdom until a majority of the people of Northern Ireland and of the Republic of Ireland wished otherwise. Should that happen, then the British and Irish governments are under “a binding obligation” to implement that choice.
NI Act 1998.
The Act allows for a devolved Northern Ireland Assembly of 108 members. Membership of the assembly is subject to a pledge of office, which subjects the member to certain requirements with regard to standards and responsibilities. Northern Ireland remains a part of the United Kingdom until or unless a majority vote in a referendum determines otherwise. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland holds the power to call for the referendum if appears likely to him that a majority of the voters would express their desire to become part of a United Ireland.
* text taken from Wikipedia.
When I was young and idealistic my vision when discussing UK and Ireland was to create a new union [Republic] (never been a fan of ‘Lizzie and her fam’). based on a federal system, where Ireland was united, under the “United States of Britain & Ireland (Also never been a fan of “Great”, Britain has not been great for along time if we ever were….) However then and now the main issue with a Union is not Ireland (North or South), Scotland or Wales. It is England, it is to big to create an equal union. I would like to see the break up of England before the break up of the UK and a union between RoI & NI. Returning to the historical 3 (main) Kingdoms – Northumbria (North), Merica (Midlands) Wessex (South), plus Cornwall (which could go in a Celtic partnership with Wales [Serbia and Montenegro model] or on it’s own). So the new “union” would be Ireland, Wales & Cornwall, Scotland, Northumbia, Merica and Wessex (6 or 7 equal states within a union).
We would not need France or Italy for a future Six Nations Rugby Competition 🙂
Now my views would be it could work as a Republic or a Kingdom, with the people voting which one they would like! Charlie or Billy could always run for President 🙂
Said it was idealistic 🙂