LONDON – Sinn Féin’s success in Ireland’s February 8 general election, where it headed the poll, has come as a shock, owing to the party’s historic ties to the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and that organization’s association with violence. The cause of its success was domestic discontent, not nationalist fervor. Nevertheless, Sinn Féin’s victory will put Irish unity – and thus the future of Northern Ireland’s inclusion in the United Kingdom – firmly on the agenda.
Project Syndicate
When Northern Ireland and Scotland have broken away from UK, England not being part of the EU will be a small country floating off the coast of France like Majorca or the Isle of Man. Pride goeth before the fall.
ReplyDeleteWhile the economy of Eire remains low, remaining a member of the EU will keeps their head above water, but they are proud people and resent the EU handouts. This is the main reason for their extended fight for Irish unity. I have written before about the similarity of Northern Ireland and Gibraltar and the quiet wish of the UK to end the ancient treaties that were made. Northern Irish people have never had a majority for staying with the UK but they do like the economic and social assistance.
DeleteFor the next few years, the UK will experience Brexit-derived economic sanctions and, I am sure that, Northern Ireland will be like a ball-n-chain around their proverbial neck. This is the perfect time for Eire to increase the pressure ... much to the UK's quiet relief.
Scotland could, perhaps, be given more entitlements from Westminster with a few strings attached, but they have much to do to have a successful independent economy.
Nevertheless, if Majorca sails away from France (As you detail) then, being off the coast of Spain, could be better for an Irish trade agreement perhaps. 🤣