Hello Michiel,

 MvdV>>> The Brittish have choosen to no longer be a member of the EU.
 MvdV>>> So they shouldn't whine if they have to follow the rules for
 MvdV>>> non members.

 LL>> The British claim to the northern part of Ireland will be relinquished
 LL>> as the Republic of Ireland remains part of the EU. Catholics now
 LL>> comprise a majority of the population, easily outnumbering
 LL>> Protestants.

 MvdV> While I agree that The reunification of both Irelands is unavoidable in
the
 MvdV> end, I think that a lot of water will have to flow through the Foyle
before
 MvdV> that happens.

Boris Johnson can invoke article 16 with the stroke of a pen.

 MvdV> For starters: it isn't as simple as Protestants vs Catholics. Not all
 MvdV> Catholics are in favour of reunification and not all Protestants are
 MvdV> against. While there is substantial overlap, it is better to speak of
 MvdV> Unionists vs Republicans. Als laid down in the GFA, the people in
Northern
 MvdV> Ireland have a right to hold a referendum about separating from the UK
and
 MvdV> joining the Republic of Ireland. If a referendum were held today, it
would
 MvdV> most likely end in favour of a reunion.

The problem is more economic than about religion. Always has been.
The British controlled Ireland for 400 years before Michael Collins
came around to unite the Irish. Things are more peaceful today.

 MvdV> Other than that, I think the present arrangement with Northern Ireland
 MvdV> remaining part of the EU Customs Union but politially remaining part of
the
 MvdV> UK, with a border in the Irish Sea and no land border in Ireland is not
a
 MvdV> concept that is going to work in the long run.

No more border with the Irish sea has been a rallying call among
the British. Will PM Boris Johnson invoke article 16? We may soon
find out.

 MvdV> In the end the Unionists will have to accept that this relic of the
Brittish
 MvdV> Colonial Empire will come to an end just like all other relics of that
era.
 MvdV> They will have to accept that they will have to choose between living in
 MvdV> the Irish Republic or move (back) to what remains of the United Kingdom.

What remains of the United Kingdom may be only bits and pieces.
The vast majority of Londoners voted against Brexit. And the Scots
want full independence. Not sure how long Wales would want to stay.
Ireland will most likely reunite in the very near future, and it
is entirely possible that London could become an independent
city-state, kind of like the principality of Monaco.

 MvdV> I am afraid they won't let go peacefully. Old wounds will be teared open
and
 MvdV> the "Troubles" may return. I hope not, I hope that those concerned will
be
 MvdV> pragmatic enough to not let it come to that, but I am not going to hold
my
 MvdV> breath..

It takes a long time for old wounds to heal. And some crimes are
never forgiven. Nobody should want a return to the violence of the
past, and all should work for a peaceful future for everyone.

 MvdV> I love Ireland. I really hope the transition will be peaceful.

And yet, Brexit is already causing divisions. How to distribute
covid vaccines is the issue of the day for many ...

--Lee

-- 
Hey hey! Ho ho! Donald Trump has got to go!

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