Letter: Argument for a united Ireland has evolved radically from the rhetoric of ‘Brits out’

Yes, indeed, the argument has altered substantially from the rhetoric of ‘Brits out’ and ending what republicans see as occupation, to more practical everyday problem solving.

Even the demographic argument to bring about a unified state of a nationalist majority population in Northern Ireland is being set aside somewhat in favour of solving the Republic’s many problems and Northern Ireland’s issues.

A growing number of the Republic’s government opposition are also picking up on this angle.

In the ‘new Ireland’ things must be different, according to Sinn Féin and others.

However, it’s still very vague as to how the unified state will come about.

This new angle for bringing about a unified state is coming from an underperforming and extremely expensive Republic and the need to unite forces to change all that.

Of course, as usual, there is no blueprint or plan for this new Ireland they now cite at discussions, conferences and in literature.

The discussion on a united Ireland doesn’t get far beyond Sinn Féin and that is the biggest problem of all. People do not link better change with a unified state and some see it as disadvantageous.

Sinn Féin and others are having difficulty selling a united Ireland beyond Sinn Féin and are now looking for other angles such as the acute problems with the Republic which has lost all political direction.

Our new united Irelanders in the Republic complain about the crippling housing problems, expensive private health care, etc.

Unionists who are key to a united Ireland are not persuaded either that they would be better off away from the UK.

From now on, one can perhaps expect more colourful arguments along economic and social fronts to lobby for a united Ireland, rather than the inevitability of it as some wishfully argue for.

Maurice Fitzgerald, Shanbally, County Cork