Alex Kane: unionism is facing an existential challenge

Andrew Cee: What I’d like to see from unionism is more of a discussion on why we should remain part of the Union.

Liam Mac Uaid: More of this intelligent writing, please. Next year’s centenary of the creation of the northern state is bound to prove that it doesn’t have the support of a large chunk of its people.

Gordon Alcorn: There will never be a united Ireland. It’s not rocket science.

How would Ireland ever be able to fund it?

Sean Montague: The royal family are in Dublin and it’s discussed more in the lifestyle pages than in the news. The agenda is to increase the presence of British business interests in Ireland to maintain access to the EU after Brexit and to plan for a new relationship between Ireland and Britain as unionism loses its majority. Arelene doesn’t believe there won’t be a poll.

John Smith: It’s just pure ignorance and a case of ‘If we don’t talk about it, it will go away’. It will only strengthen the desire of those in favour of a border poll and, perhaps, sway moderate unionists to consider the possibility.

Patrick G Whelan: She also said there wouldn’t be an Irish language commissioner on her watch.

Kurtis Johnston: If there is a border poll any time soon, it’s because of the failure of the DUP. They did what they wanted without caring what voters might think.

Patrick McCaffery: It’s not a question of if she’s wrong. She definitely is. Is it any wonder unionism isn’t taken seriously?

Alex Byrne: She’s eaten her own words so many times. I hope she has left room for dessert.

Liam Oliver Stirrat: We need more John Humes and fewer Arlene Fosters.

David Eakin: And all because the lady loved Brexit.

Kieran Coleman: She has had to eat humble pie over quite a few things. Her statement is just the normal unionist rhetoric.

Aodhan Mac Artain: The Union is safe with Arlene.

John Paul Gallagher: She should move to Scotland like she said she would.