A union of Scotland, Wales and Ireland could be Brexit alternative

David Hamill recognises there will probably be hurdles but can we rule anything out these days?

The likelihood of a hard Brexit and the prospect of a second referendum on Scottish independence mean that once again we are living in uncertain times. I have no clear idea of how the UK will look in two years’ time, but an intriguing possibility occurs to me.

For the sake of argument, let us assume that the UK leaves the EU without any agreement on the single market or free trade, and let’s also assume that Scotland votes in favour of independence, whenever the referendum takes place. In this scenario, is it impossible to imagine a new United Kingdom, embracing Scotland, the whole of Ireland and Wales – a Celtic Union?

Immediately one can think of any number of hurdles and barriers, some seemingly insurmountable – but is it entirely out of the question? In the short term, probably, but in the longer term, maybe not.

This proposal would in all probability entail the reunification of Ireland. Such a move would be vociferously opposed by Protestant Unionists in Northern Ireland and quite possibly reopen old wounds which have started to close.

The renewal of hostilities would be a matter for considerable regret. However, Sinn Fein has been gaining political ground recently and it is not impossible to envisage the time when the question of reunification might be put to the vote.

Add to this the fact that Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, a factor which might be in favour of union with a country that is already