Despite facing the biggest political upheaval since partition, we’re letting others decide the fate of NI

‘NO taxation without representation’ is a slogan said to have originated in America around 1700. It started a movement that culminated in the American Civil War.

Residents of British colonies (of which America was one) were taxed as if they were Englishmen, but they had no representation in the British parliament. It was asserted that the fact America was a colony of Britain conferred on it the benefit of virtual representation in parliament.

The fact is, I do have a vote. I voted, but I am not represented (not even virtually).

The DUP, for which the majority in Northern Ireland voted, is too busy representing the interests of Brexit-voting OAPs in Wakefield and Sunderland to be concerned about the interests of those who voted for them and pay their wages.

Those who voted for Sinn Fein did so in the knowledge that they would not be represented in Westminster, but in Stormont at least.

In what way are they representing their voters in Northern Ireland, the majority of whom voted to remain in the EU? How are they ensuring our views are represented?

Northern Ireland is facing the biggest political upheaval since partition, yet we are standing by, watching others decide our fate. We have no representation in Stormont, in Westminster or in Brussels. We have no choice but to turn to Dublin in the hope Leo Varadker will keep his promise not to leave us orphaned again.

“It’s a real shame,” he said, that Northern Ireland has no voice. “You deserve to have your interests safeguarded and progressed. That includes having your elected politicians working on your behalf to make progress on the social, economic and political issues that will define our future.”

We gave our politicians a clear message that we wanted to remain in Europe. Who is listening?

PATRICIA SHEARER By email