Unionism has to prepare for the inevitable toppling of partition

THE Census has been taken, and now we eagerly await the results.

Last time, there was but a scratch of percentage points between the two halves of our community. Unionists held the balance, but only just.

They also had the majority of the older age groups in their slipping grasp, as opposed to nationalism, which held the younger generations tight to its homely bosom.

It doesn’t look promising for unionism.

So, what will the leadership of unionism do now? Will it continue with ostrich politics, stubbornly pretending that the Union is for ever while ignoring the demographic realities in this part of Ireland?

Or will it show true leadership and move to honestly engage with nationalism to prepare for the inevitable ending of partition, thus seeking the most equitable settlement possible while still in possession of sufficient leverage?

Whichever path it chooses, it will not be the DUP, nor the UUP, who find a workable solution.

Progressive unionists need look to the Alliance Party to ensure the best outcome.

Nationalism waits with bated breath to see which path unionists choose.

One thing is certain, however: when the majority here wish an end to the Union, then the Union will end, regardless of any treacherous remonstrations by those who signed up to the Belfast Agreement only to try and cherry-pick the elements that best continue the outmoded and ragged supremacism of unionism’s unfortunate past. ANTAN O DALA AN RI

Rostrevor, Co Down