Economic Unity

On the third May 1921 under the Government of Ireland Act (1920) Ireland was separated by law into two distinct jurisdictions. This was the partition of Ireland or críochdheighilt na hÉireann in Gaelic. From that day forward there was the Republic of Ireland or more commonly known as Southern Ireland which is made up of twenty six counties, and Northern Ireland which is made up of a more modest six counties.

The reason behind the division of the two jurisdictions can be traced back to an attempt to satisfy the ongoing conflicts between Irish Nationalists and Unionists, in the fourth proposed Irish Home Rule Bill in 1920. The issue was the Nationalists wanted independence from the United Kingdom, which had gained control of Ireland many years earlier, whereas Unionists, who held a majority in what we now know as Northern Ireland, wanted to remain a part of the UK. When partition became official it effectively ended the Irish War of Independence, but it began what can only be described as a civil war in Northern Ireland between Nationalists who were unhappy with the decision and Unionists who rejoiced in it (Kate Phelan, 4th October2016).

This civil war is known throughout the world as the Troubles. It lasted for three decades (1968 – 1998). It is reported that 3600 people were killed due to the violence and that thousands more than that were injured. The two events that are seen as the beginning and the end of the troubles are the civil rights March in Derry/Londonderry on the 5th October 1968 and the Good Friday Agreement on 10 April 1998 (BBC, 2017).

It was the Good Friday agreement of 1985 that brought an end to two decades of war and violence in Northern Ireland and while it did not necessarily satisfy the wishes of both unionists and nationalists it did bring both sides to a healthier compromise. It was decided that the constitutional question of whether Northern Ireland should be reunified with Ireland as a whole would be left as it was until there was the consent of the majority, this is known as ‘the principle of consent.’ It also introduced a nationalist and unionist power sharing government with a first minister and deputy first minister to be voted in by democratic election (Northern Ireland Assembly Education Service in partnership with CCEA, 2017).

Nationalists have continued to call for a United Ireland. Sinn Fein the dominant Nationalist political party in the North of Ireland but who also hold seats in the Government of the Republic of Ireland, have never ceased in their determination to once again see Ireland United. Recently, the question of reunification has once again been in the press and a topic of heated debate in most social and political circles.

Two political events led to this conversation once more being opened. The first was ‘Brexit’ the referendum held throughout the United Kingdom in order to decide whether or not we should remain within the European Union. While the decision overall was that we should leave, Northern Ireland as a majority opted to stay within the EU, like our Republican counter parts across the border, but because we are part of the United Kingdom we have to leave as well. The second thing that triggered this debate was the Renewable Heating Incentive Scandal in Northern Ireland which the Democratic Unionist Party - DUP – have been held responsible for. The major money saving scheme ended up costing Northern Ireland upwards of 480 million pounds which no one seems to be able to account for. This scandal triggered a re-election due to the resignation of our deputy first minister in protest that the first minister Arlene Foster who was at the heart of the scandal and many hold personally responsible, would not step aside while the incident was investigated. The new election was historical. It saw Sinn Fein rise further politically than they ever have before with so many people unhappy with the events. The DUP kept a slim majority retaining only one more seat than Sinn Fein and losing their veto power and ability to call a petition of concern. This is the first time Sinn Fein has gained anywhere near these seats for three decades (Henry McDonald and Jamie Grierson Saturday 4th March 2017).

Now, because of this land mark election, Michelle O’Neil Sinn Fein party leader in Northern Ireland is making moves to call for a referendum on the subject of a United Ireland.

There is always one argument that repeatedly comes from those who are opposed to the concept of a United Ireland and that is that it is too expensive; that Northern Ireland cannot survive economically outside of the United Kingdom. Previously, this was a point difficult to argue against, but now, oh the times, they are a-changin'.

The Cambridge Dictionary definition of a Republican is, 'a supporter of government by elected representatives of the people rather than government by a king or queen.' Nationalists in Northern Ireland are also Republicans. In our countries history, religion and political belief more often than not were mutually exclusive things. As time has moved on, many in my generation no longer associate the Political standpoint of being a Nationalist or a Republican with being a Catholic. We are far more interested in the wider benefits of a break from the British Monarchy, which we see as an outdated institution that lacks any real substantial use to us as individuals, family units, our businesses and therefore general livelihoods. Especially now during these uncertain times.

Reunification has become to many, the only real way that Ireland as a whole can survive.

In this Article from her online https://www.her.ie/news/study-shows-united-ireland-boost-economy-e30-billion-284156, the economic benefits of a United Ireland are discussed and report that Economic Studies show that a United Ireland could boost our overall economy by over €30 Billion.

It has been suggested that a United Ireland would perhaps be the only way to save Northern Ireland from a complete economic disaster caused by a No Deal Brexit. Unfortunately it is often the case that Northern Ireland is left behind by the rest of the UK.

Unification would put an end to the idea that the North and South have to compete for tourism as we would be generating that profit together, because without a boarder, we would have a single currency, access to the EU market and common tax rates.

Brexit will negatively impact Northern Ireland on a personal, political and economic level. For some people it will be all three. A hard boarder will violate the Good Friday Agreement that ended The Troubles. No longer will those of us who identify as Irish and hold Irish passports be able to travel freely over the entirety of what we see as our country. The Government in England once again seem to have forgotten that their decisions impact on every aspect of our lives here.

I understand that for many, a United Ireland would impact on their sense of Britishness, but for years a divided Ireland has impacted on our sense of Irishness. We have always made the sacrifice, but now, facing Economic ruin, we have to as a country decide not what is best for us, and for our old wounds, but for our children and our children's children that come long after we are in the ground.

Now, we look to our American cousins in November, most of us hoping beyond hope that this election, garners a different outcome. In the past, American Presidents like Bill Clinton, have taken an interest in Northern Ireland and it's particular troubles. Through their special relationship with the United Kingdom they worked towards peace on our Island. Both Unionists and Nationalists alike see that another win for Trump would be difficult for Northern Ireland. He takes little interest in anything but himself, never mind the issues caused in the UK by Brexit and by extension, Northern Ireland. When you step into the voting booth, please remember that while you must do what is right for your country, it is the role of every being in power to look to the wider world and what is needed within it.

Educate yourselves, not just on your own past, present and potential future, but on others as well and when your vote is cast, continue that education. That is how you can make an impact Beyond the Vote. Know and understand the impact of every vote cast. I know we are a small country in comparison to many others, but our needs are just as valid.

For more information on the potential benefits of the Unification of Ireland and on our history, I have listed some potential reading material below.

https://northernireland.foundation/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/jan/28/northernireland1

https://www.britannica.com/event/The-Troubles-Northern-Ireland-history

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2017/583116/IPOL_BRI%282017%29583116_EN.pdf

http://qpol.qub.ac.uk/the-2020-us-presidential-election-and-northern-ireland/

https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/jcs/article/view/11750/12521