Irish History Corner

Historic Change Coming to Northern Ireland – Maybe:  It has been more than a century since the British broke off 6 counties from Ireland and made them another country. It has taken decades, but there are indicators that Irish reunification may soon become a reality. Commentators point to the following:

· The new president of Ireland is enthusiastic about reunification.

· People in the North are upset about Britain’s exit from the European Union. 

· Young people in N.I. want to be in the E.U. because it provides more opportunities.  

· The last census shows 46% of the people in Northern Ireland are either Catholic or were brought up Catholic, while only 44% listed themselves as Protestant.  

· The 1988 Good Friday Agreement ended most of the violence of “the Troubles”.

· Half the people of Northern Ireland now choose to use an Irish passport instead of a British passport (an option that came with the Good Friday Agreement, along with the option to hold a referendum on reunification).

· Players from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland now play on the national Irish Rugby team (seemingly a minor thing, but significant).

·  Many say that England no longer prioritizes Northern Ireland as an issue. 

In most places, crossing the Irish border now is no different than crossing the Binghamton/Johnson City border. It is thought that such factors may bring about unity.

Others believe it will take a little more.  A panel of scholars from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and London recently met to discuss reunification*. However, they noted that it is hard to mend bridges in a small country. They said that the pro- British community of N. I. must believe reunification will be better for them. The panel noted that priorities at this point may not be cultural issues. Main concerns involve matters such as housing, hospital, and health care. It was also noted that if the 6 counties were reunited, they would be the 6 poorest in Ireland.  They stated that reasonable people must approach things in a reasonable way. There must be a plan, and at present there is not. The Republic of Ireland must make reunification a priority. There needs to be a civil dialogue and a policy put forward by the Irish Republic. The next 5 years are critical. In the panel’s opinion, reunification will not occur with the beating of drums or singing of songs. But it could occur by 2030 with good planning. According to the panel, the people of Northern Ireland will say yes to reunification only when they can say; This is good for my family and me.  

- Bill Burke.  Sources: *How Close is Ireland to a Referendum on Unification YouTube ’25, One Ireland? Christian Science Monitor’25, James O’Brian LBC 9.22’22, Fact CheckNI What religions are followed ’25.