It is well past the time that a more realistic attitude is applied to the whole question of Irish reunification and that reality checks be applied to the mode of thought among those in political power.
The current thinking on this issue is so stuck in the past that we could still be discussing reunification in another 100 years with the same old ideas and strategies still preventing progress, and keeping those opposed to change quietly comfortable.
For decades Sinn Féin have been following a policy that wee steps towards reunification is the best action plan in order to bring the unionist population along the same path.
A reality check will clearly show us that this is never going to happen and a different path must be taken urgently to get Irish reunification over the line and then deal with any problems that may arise.
We are now in a unique position to fast-track reunification and with the goodwill of the Free State and British governments, this can actually happen.
Let’s go back 100 years and tell the story how it was then and how the history books around the world have since recorded these facts.
In 1921 Britain took six Irish counties from the north-east of the country and created a geographical entity which contained a sufficiently large Protestant majority to maintain the status quo – that is until today, when that majority has gone.
Now the time has arrived that the British government should, just as simply, give the six counties back to their rightful owners – the people of Ireland – and take all their belongings with them.
At the same time the Free State government must work closely with Britain to ensure this takes place quickly and completely, and ensure the total and complete independence of Ireland from Britain for good.
This must be recognised in international law, as the past has taught us that Britain cannot be trusted to honour its obligations to treaties it makes. This deal must be clear and unambiguous and leave no part open to future speculation and ensure that no further negotiations are, or could be, necessary.
Those who wish to remain part of the union with the UK should clearly consider their position, especially in the light of how successive British governments have treated them recently.
Unionist MPs at Westminster have no power and are simply ignored by whatever party happens to be in government at the time. Their position as a member of the UK is tenuous at least and it could justifiably be claimed that it is in imminent danger of becoming obsolete.
Consider the options that political unionism would have in an all-Ireland government, where they would have sizeable numbers of elected representatives with a real say and a real input into the day-to-day governance of this nation.
Religion would have no role to play in the new political entity and complete and total religious tolerance would be enshrined in a written constitution. Discrimination of any nature would be illegal and would be open to challenge in the highest courts of the land.
Government legislation would be open to challenge, to real scrutiny, by all in opposition and no party could simply be sidelined, as currently is the case for unionists at Westminster.
The current position here of an unrepresentative government puppet secretary of state making decisions which affect every one of us is undemocratic and totally unacceptable.
Let’s adapt this new attitude towards change and bring this train to a halt at its final station.
Sean Seeley, Craigavon, Co Armagh
