“The Truth About Irish Unity: Debunking the Myth of Negotiations and Political Preferences”

Irish writers and political figures often project their own political preferences onto their visions for a united Ireland, according to some commentators. Gay Mitchell recently wrote in the Irish Times that negotiations on a united Ireland would require the agreement of the UK and probably the support of the US and EU states. This assertion was challenged by another writer who argued that a united Ireland would only require a majority vote in favour in Northern Ireland, as provided for in the Belfast Agreement. The government of the day would need to foster good relations with the UK and the unionist community to make such a transition possible, but decisions on NATO membership and other issues would be a matter for Ireland’s own sovereign government and people. While some conservatives may seek closer ties with Britain and a role for the British monarch and government in Irish affairs, a united Ireland is not dependent on such measures.