Bordering blackmail

The border between the UK and Ireland is an entirely internal matter: the two countries enjoyed a free-movement area before joining the Common Market. Yet the EU and Dublin seem determined to use the border as a stick to beat the Government with, as a demonstration of European solidarity and a crude negotiating tactic in the Brexit talks. That this performance is dressed up as some crusade to protect the peace process is particularly tasteless.

It’s also a reminder that Westminster isn’t the only political centre facing upheaval. Ireland’s minority government may well be brought down by scandal. It is in no position to dictate terms – such as the proposal to keep Northern Ireland within the EU customs union – yet has obviously calculated that it has a few votes to win from grandstanding. Meanwhile, on the other side of the border, Northern Ireland’s politics are far more complicated than some seem to appreciate.

Nationalist politicians might agree with Dublin’s strategy, but Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, has labelled it “blackmail”. For Unionists, the most important single market is defined by their constitutional relationship with the UK. And the peace process has proceeded thus far because it has been bilateral between London and Dublin: any attempt by the EU, a third party, to impose a border settlement would be seen as illegitimate.

Theresa May needs to get to grips with this issue; Ireland must face facts; the EU has to recognise its limits; and the talks need to move on. There is so much to be gained from a positive future relationship with Ireland and the EU – too much to gamble away on political posturing.