The only way that I can see any real substantive progress in the creation of a democracy on the island of Ireland is when a Border poll is called and a sense of urgency is instilled in the political situation. As I understand it, that was the ultimate aim of the Good Friday Agreement. It offered an alternative peaceful political way forward. It was an admirable achievement but it depended on good will and total commitment if it was to deliver lasting peace and justice in Ireland.
The only way the British will ever implement this part of the GFA is when the Dublin government makes it an issue of the utmost importance for the future peace and stability of this island. If they did they would have the full support of the present US administration.
There is now an onus on the government in Dublin to put pressure on the Tory government to prepare for a Border poll. After all, the Irish government are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. Being a co-guarantor brings responsibilities.
There are many issues that remain to be resolved including the legacy of State violence and the gross violations of human rights by successive British governments. The Tory government in London seems unwilling to deal with the issue of State violence and the killing by their forces of Irish people. The Dublin government has a responsibility to pursue these matters with the Tory government and demand urgent action. They should not allow the Tories to get away with dismantling or ignoring the Good Friday Agreement which offered the people such great hope in 1998.
I applaud those who still work tirelessly to bring about a resolution to the long conflict in Ireland through dialogue and through tackling the root causes that led to the conflict in 1969.
Those in Ireland and around the world who work to resolve this long conflict deserve our support and admiration. However, the failure of the Dublin government to take its responsibility more seriously must be challenged.
The Tories have been in power in Britain for more than 10 years. During that time, they have made absolutely no contribution to progressing and implementing the Good Friday Agreement. They have done nothing to prepare for the inevitable Border poll. You could say that they have not felt any compulsion to do anything. It is time for the Dublin government to show leadership and responsibility as required by the Good Friday Agreement. The days of pandering to extreme unionism and accepting British Tory duplicity are over.
Those that rule the free statelet love the status quo
Meehole and Leo the leak have zero interest and even less credibility on the issue
FFG fear a United Ireland more than the DUP!
They will try their damnedest to prevent it , while instead telling all in sundry that they earnestly aspire to it
Not a leader or statesman/woman among the FFG brigade.
If SF get in next election the combined media will do their damnedest to destroy any chance of a second term. Labour Party in republic are a joke and only seem interested in D4 liberal agenda- some of which is necessary perhaps but not top of the list
How about equitable healthcare, housing and education??
A new inclusive Ireland is possible but I wouldn’t be waiting for FFG and southern media to promote any push for it !