Proper preparation for constitutional change is hard to oppose. That makes the growing consensus surrounding it easy to understand, sensible and very welcome. More work is required, but informed observers know that reflection on a united Ireland is in a different and better place. Many hope the Irish Government will now play a more extensive part in the conversation about new arrangements for our shared island.
Lost in the jargon-heavy world of detailed planning are the personal dimensions for those living in this region. One stands out: The persistent denial of choice continues to grate. We are submerged in clichés assuring us about the significance of our consent; a legal right to decide our own future. A right that we are not permitted to exercise in the accepted way.
Fundamental to our peace agreement yet shrouded still in euphemism and abject irresponsible avoidance. Evasive positioning by both governments that is ill-advised and unsustainable.
So, a gentle plea of sorts for 2025 to respect promises made, as we labour diligently in anticipation of the day when people here will have their say. The referendums at the heart of this island-wide reconciliation project cannot be sidestepped forever.
Colin Harvey is a Professor in the School of Law at Queen’s University Belfast
The Good Friday agreement leaves the decision whether there be referenda on the future of Ireland in
the pocket of the British Secretary of State fir the North.
Starmer is on record that (in the unlikely event of the Secretary allowing referenda) he , Starmer,
an Englishman, will campaign for the retention of British control in Ireland.
Cabinet Secretary Sir Norman Brook in 1949 wrote, in effect the Unionist argument for Partition
had no merit, except as a smoke screenfor British politicians, but, FOR STRATEGIC REASONS<
SOME PART OF IELAND SHOULD REMAIN WITHIN HIS MAJESTY'S DOMINIONS.
ATTLEE marked Brook's memorandum NOTED.
Under the Euphemism EMERGENCY Attlee was then waging a Genocidal War in Malaya,
building a British Welfare State by plundering Malayan Rubber and Tin, and the continuing
robbery of oil from the Middle East.
And of course building NATO which is today threatening to blow the earth to smithereens.