Letter: What shared sovereignty offers Northern Ireland
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Since the breakdown of the talks about the future of Northern Ireland, shared sovereignty seems to be the fad. I believe the Republic of Ireland is unwilling because of the economics, the IRA wants unification, loyalists want nothing at all to do with the republic and the man in the street only cares about jobs and education.
It seems inevitable that Ireland will become united, both because of demographic trends - a nationalist majority in 50 years - and because of the persistence of republicanism (500 years). Also, British public opinion is for withdrawal. If this conflict continues as it has, then nationalists will only vote for unification if their standard of living can be maintained. Maybe Unionists should negotiate now while they are in a position of relative strength and therefore maintain peace after unification, as loyalists no doubt will adopt the IRA's current position.
Unification, if negotiated now by the Unionists, could bring the stability for economic growth and prosperity for everyone.
Yours faithfully,
DAVID DONNELLY
Belfast
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments