Whatever your opinion on last year’s extraordinary electoral results across the globe, whether the Brexit referendum result, or the election of Donald Trump, one thing is for certain: the debates that took place in the run-up to those democratic exercises were as emotive as they were practical. Many would argue, in fact, that there was far too much of the former, too little of the latter.
In that respect, only time will tell whether Michael Martin’s wish that a united Ireland can be achieved through discussion that is “hard-headed and practical”, where emotion can be removed from the equation, is a realistic one.
But speaking to presenter, John Murray, on the Today programme, he laid out that aspiration in full. If Irish unity is to be achieved, he says,
“It can’t be the romantic pursuit the fourth green field any more. It has to be hard-headed, it has to be practical. And it has to be seen to work.”
The discussion took place in the context of reports that Fianna Fáil is preparing to publish a 12-point plan within months to strengthen the economic, political and educational links between the Republic and Northern Ireland, which could help to prepare the way for a united Ireland.
This white paper will outline certain proposals to increase cross-border cooperation on issues like a common enterprise agency, a common educational curriculum preschools, common food safety and standards.
And yes, even corporate tax harmonisation, North and South.
Of course, the end goal of United Ireland can only be achieved by referenda, North and South, and in this regard, the Fianna Fáil leader had some words of warning, particularly in the wake of recent calls for an immediate border poll following the Brexit result.
“If we learn anything from Brexit, it is to be wary of politicians promoting referendums and border polls. They become divisive, they become ugly.”
That was certainly true of last year’s British referendum on EU membership, which took place on June 23rd, 2016. But, as John Murray pointed out, winning over even moderate Unionists to the notion of a united Ireland will be quite some challenge.
“Unionists understand that where Fianna Fáil comes from is a united Ireland perspective. But they do understand that Fianna Fáil is a constitutional republican party, we understand the need for consensus. If anything, we are endeavouring to take the emotion out of this, to move forward on a more pragmatic basis.”
A referendum without emotion. It would be a welcome first.
To listen to the full interview, click here.
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