It would be a tragedy if the case for Northern Ireland to stay in the Union were to fail just for a lack of effort

Peter Robinson calls for a new think tank to research and report on the benefits of the Union.
Peter Robinson first said at Glenties in Donegal in July 2018, above, that the case for the Union needed to be made. Now it is time to actPeter Robinson first said at Glenties in Donegal in July 2018, above, that the case for the Union needed to be made. Now it is time to act
Peter Robinson first said at Glenties in Donegal in July 2018, above, that the case for the Union needed to be made. Now it is time to act

Arlene Foster has likewise indicated her intention to use Northern Ireland’s 100th Anniversary to broadcast the case for the Union.

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With the anniversary fast approaching, it is surely time to move from concept to action.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

The NIO has announced the membership of its Forum on the Centenary. Supporters of the Union must match the NIO’s timetable. They need to prepare for the opportunities which the centenary will open up, and the challenges which their opponents will throw at them.

There is a huge agenda to be addressed. There appears to be no existing body willing or able to take on the task. Individual experts have been doing a great job — as has the News Letter — but Mr Robinson has identified a lethal gap in unionism’s arsenal.

Its opponents are well-resourced. Sinn Fein’s annual expenditure in Northern Ireland alone exceeds that of the combined unionist parties. The Irish government will continue to develop the arguments for what it now calls a ‘shared island’.

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The new think tank could contribute to building broad knowledge and understanding of the unionist tradition not only here, but also nationally and internationally. It would reflect a range of perspectives, working in partnership with interest groups and community networks which share its values and objectives.

Its research agenda could include such essential questions as these:

How has the case for the Union evolved over the past 100 years?

• How does our economy benefit from the Union?

• What benefits has the Union conferred on individuals and families here?

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• How do public services and taxation rates here compare with the Republic?

• How can Northern Ireland best benefit from its hybrid status after Brexit between the UK and the EU?

• How can Unionism widen its electoral support base, particularly amongst young people?

• Why should people in Britain support the Union?

• What should be done and by whom to improve North/South and East/West relationships?

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• What is Northern Ireland’s distinctive contribution to world heritage, combining as it does strands from England, Scotland and Ireland?

The think tank would have a strong public and social media presence. It would provide analysis, advice and information to the media, political parties and interest groups.

It would build up a reputation for integrity, accuracy, and non-partisanship. It would cooperate with pro-Union organisations in Britain, including those working against a breakaway by Scotland.

I would be interested in readers’ thoughts on the practicalities of moving this proposal forward. Is there any organisation willing to take the initiative? Would the main political parties be prepared to invest in getting it off the ground? Is there any charitable foundation which would be willing to support the underdog financially in the coming battle of ideas?

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It would be a tragedy if the case for the Union were to fail for mere lack of effort.

Dr WB Smith, Belfast 15

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