Sinn Fein warns of civil disobedience if Brexit leads to a hard border

Colin Flinn: Irresponsible! The way to express one’s dissatisfaction is through the democratic process. Why otherwise do we have, or are supposed to have, democracy? In Stormont’s absence, the route for dissension is through Westminster. I’ve always advocated SF takes its seats at Westminster.

Edward Forsythe: Civil disobedience is a way that all people have demonstrated dissatisfaction. It’s hardly the same as threatening actual violence. Didn’t loyalists stage a workers’ strike back in the day? Short memories.

Martine Gibson: If this was anyone or anywhere else, it would be considered a violent threat and inciting violence and hatred. The old true colours shown again.

Ian Porter: Back to violence when you don’t get what you want... that’s true republicans. Billy Lennox: The way SF are going, you would think they wanted the British Army back on the streets of Northern Ireland. They have to realise that it can’t always be their way.

Padraig Piarais Mac AnTsaoir: This is no warning, it is an acknowledgement of the reality that any form of physical border is not welcome in Ireland. It would mean a return to the dark ages, and I, like any other ordinary Irishmen, would carry out the same civil disobedience practised the entire way through the Troubles: telling Customs/soldiers in robust terms that they are not welcome on my island, and not complying with their instructions. That is not a threat of violence or the implication of violence.

Paul Rooster Gerald: Not matter a jot, the British will sell Arlene down the river and park the border somewhere along the line of the Isle of Man. Thomas McKinley: How any unionists think a return to a hard border would not have consequences is beyond me.

If it ends up being civil disobedience, this would probably be the best that could be expected. Dissidents are waiting for any excuse to ramp up, and a return to a hard border is probably beyond their wildest dreams. This will allow them to attack border posts as many will see them as legitimate targets.