Senator Mark Daly has today launch a report looking at Unionist fears in a united Ireland.
The report interviewed a number of different sections of the Unionist community, although it has to be pointed out that no women seem to be included in any of the comments put forward.
It summarises the main points of concern as follows;
1. Loss of Identity and the place of unionism within a
united Ireland
2. Triumphalism
3. Retribution on former members of the RUC, British
Army and Prison Officers
4. Land would be taken off unionist farmers
5. Return to Violence
6. European Union
7. Health, Welfare and the Economy
It has a few recommendations;
The Government needs to establish a New Ireland Forum 2 as recommended in the report “Brexit & the Future of Ireland Uniting Ireland and it’s People in Peace & Prosperity”, “The establishment of a New Ireland Forum 2 is recommended to set a pathway to achieve the peaceful reunification of Ireland “. This report was adopted unanimously by the all-party Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Issues in relation to unionist fears and concerns regarding a United Ireland should be addressed bythe Irish Government and the New Ireland Forum.
It also notes;
It is clear from the submissions and research that a failure by the Government to engage and address the fears and concerns of unionist will have serious consequences for all the people who live on this island. The words of Seamus Mallon, Deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland 1998-2001, should be listened to by the Irish Government: “Nationalists need to show generosity if they’re ever going to persuade unionists of the benefits of a united Ireland”.
The report does highlight some of the real challenges for the yes side in any campaign in terms of how do deal with identity and reconciliation. The fact some are concerned about potential land grabs is a worrying belief to hold in 2019. There is some role here for the Irish government in establishing some mechanisms to steer this debate and put some coherence around what has been an ad hoc approach up until now.
David McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
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