A return to the empire?

A FINE Gael senator has called for possibility of Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth to be debated – and says it could even lead to a united Ireland soccer team.

The suggestion came from Roscommon politician Frank Feighan who reopened the debate about the merits of Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth following Britain’s decision to leave the EU.

The Roscommon native said he has highlighted the economic and trade benefits of joining an organisation of 53 countries which has a population of 2.3billion.

From a sporting perspective, there could be many more pluses for our whole island, he said.

Many sports in Ireland are organised on an all-island basis, such as rugby, rowing, hockey and cricket.

‘In this context, I would like to pose the question that if Ireland did rejoin the Commonwealth, could we not then see the real possibility of an All-Ireland team competing in the Commonwealth Games?’ Mr Feighan said. ‘Would we not all welcome the concept of Ireland as one hosting the Commonwealth Games, an event which would be of huge benefit to our country?

‘Such possibilities could eventually pave the way for the formation of an All-Ireland soccer team.’

The Commonwealth is a group of 53 countries that are or were colonies of the British empire.

Ireland left the Commonwealth in 1949 when it became an independent republic.