Brexit could lead to united Ireland push: Richard Haass
Padraig Piarais Mac AnTsaoir: It’s already happening. There has been a shift in attitudes on both sides of the Irish Sea. Nobody was talking about it a few years ago; now it’s very much on the agenda. All thanks to Brexit.
Gavin Lafferty: Brexit is like acid poured on the Union. I’m still stunned the DUP went for it. Clearly, the short-term psychological need to wave the Union flag and shout about how British they are overwhelmed their common sense. Does it guarantee Irish unity? No. What it does do is give the proponents of reunification a powerful argument.
Jake O Donnghaile: They went for it because of the money offered. Greed could be their downfall.
Eddie Barrett: It’s been the best news that Ireland has had since the Good Friday Agreement. It’s bringing a united Ireland closer by the day, as ordinary unionist business owners have at last realised how Brexit is such a disaster for the six counties and that the economic unit of a united Ireland is their only hope to prosper and save jobs.
Leonard Leader: Brexit is already leading to a united Ireland, as it has unleashed an unprecedented momentum for change. There is at least one united Ireland story in these pages per day. How many were featured pre-Brexit? Moderate unionists are now understanding that their families’ interests are not being served whatsoever by the Westminster parliament. Add demographics into the mix and it is a case of when, not if.
Andrew Francis: Leonard Leader, as a moderate unionist, you do not speak for me. Sinn Fein pulling down the Executive over minor issues has pushed people like me back about 10 steps. They care more about an Irish Language Act than they do about education or health. If that’s what nationalists want, then it’s made me more opposed to a united Ireland than ever and, for a long time, I would have been accepting of it.
Jake O Donnghaile: My view on Brexit is that, if it fails, we all know Northern Ireland would feel the worst of it, then a unity vote would come in and a united Ireland would seem the better option.