is it time for another boundary commission

laoch na mona

Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry, south Armagh and south Down all have a nationalist majority so should we redraw the border to satisfy peoples wishes?


I think it would mark an important step in the peace process as it would reaffirm
the claim that Britain has no strategic interest in northern Ireland

It would also rob dissidents of support as it would show that the peace process is working?

I think the fairest way to redraw the boarder would be to incorporate constituencies where nationalists get a majority of the vote into the republic

Benny_Cake

Redrawing the border when there has been little demand to do so would only serve to destabilise Northern Ireland. You would be left with a rump statelet with an overwhelming Unionist majority, which doesn't appear to be in anyone's interest.

Sunnyisland

IMO its still much to early to change the border and would infuriate loyalists,better to wait till the overall majority want the change then doing it county by county.

RMD

What a lot of people don't realise with the proposal of another boundary commission type event is that by removing tens of thousands more Catholic Nationalists from Northern Ireland they further push away the opportunity of a United Ireland as they increase the Unionist : Nationalist ratio.

Chuck Stone

Let sleeping dogs lie imho.

Dubhlinner

Seriously doubt a majority of people in those counties would be in favour of this. Can't think of a single republican party who would support it wither

Also i doubt county derry has a nationalist majority

Happy Monday

Must also remember that the majority of Catholics in NI wish to remain part of the UK.

Sterling, NHS and heavy government spending cause this.

Would they want to join this tinpot IMF laden banana republic?

DublinWriter

laoch na mona wrote: »

the claim that Britain has no strategic interest in northern Ireland

All it would affirm is that Northern Irish Nationalists have a strategic interest in decent healthcare and Southern Irish Nationalists have a strategic interest in cheap shopping.

Lapin

laoch na mona wrote: »

I think the fairest way to redraw the boarder would be to incorporate constituencies where nationalists get a majority of the vote into the republic

Such a policy would inevitably make West Belfast an exclave of the The Republic within The UK.

Can't see that ever happening.

HamletOrHecuba

Chuck Stone wrote: »

Let sleeping dogs lie imho.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17198481

Or sleeping wounds fester?

The EU with most probably a nudge from the UK government for the Orange Order, a movement that exists to celebrate the taking away of civil liberties from Catholics across the British Isles and who's influence played the major role in insuring that Irish Catholics stayed alienated from the Northern Ireland state allowing the Ulster troubles to explode. The EU with most probably a nudge from the UK government has also been funding a centre celebrating terrorism in South Armagh. Unless a real effort is made to take the poison out of Northern Ireland society its only a matter of time before the killing starts again.

goose2005

Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry, south Armagh and south Down all have a nationalist majority

Do they? [London]Derry city might, but not the county. And isn't south Down strongly protestant?

I think it would mark an important step in the peace process as it would reaffirm
the claim that Britain has no strategic interest in northern Ireland

What about the republic's lack of interest

It would also rob dissidents of support as it would show that the peace process is working?

Actually, it would drag every gunman back into importance, whereas most of them have been getting fat and drawing the dole.

Happy Monday wrote: »

Must also remember that the majority of Catholics in NI wish to remain part of the UK.

Sterling, NHS and heavy government spending cause this.

Would they want to join this tinpot IMF laden banana republic?

Since when does a United Ireland debate take place within economic or social realities?

Dirk Gently

laoch na mona wrote: »

I think the fairest way to redraw the boarder would be to incorporate constituencies where nationalists get a majority of the vote into the republic

Hand over cavan, louth, Donegal, Letrim and monaghan. Then call for a vote. (or don't). :pac:

Fenian Army

sure since partition worked SO WELL before, let's do it again!
Jesus wept

Nodin

HamletOrHecuba wrote: »

.......... The EU with most probably a nudge from the UK government has also been funding a centre celebrating terrorism in South Armagh. ........

It has? Whats the name of this place? Details, please.

HamletOrHecuba

Nodin wrote: »

It has? Whats the name of this place? Details, please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgLGNiPP8mk

Fenian Army

HamletOrHecuba wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgLGNiPP8mk

LOL

Him giving out about funding?

Wee Wilie's paranoia has finally drove the man insane it seems. Says a lot about a poster when he supplies "evidence" that man to back up his outlandish claims

Nodin

HamletOrHecuba wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgLGNiPP8mk

I asked you for the name and details.

whitelines

I think it might be worth looking at transferring certain strongly Nationalist border areas to The Republic, such as the west bank of The Foyle, Strabane and Newry/South Armagh. Years ago these had plenty of Unionists in them (15 000 lived in the west bank of The Foyle, only about 500 now), but they were driven out or left through fear so the process today would be much easier. Of course, those living in the areas concerned would have to have a vote and The Republic would have to agree. Those not wanting the process could be compensated and perhaps move a few miles back into NI.

It's definitely feasible.

_Kaiser_

Are we EVER gong to get over this "800 years" mentality in this country?!

Yes the English conquered the country in the last century but back then that was considered acceptable statecraft and they certainly weren't the only ones to subjugate indigenous populations in the pursuit of expanding their empires.

Times change and despite atrocities committed by both sides, dialogue and negotiation has brought a workable peace to the population and yet every few weeks there's still threads like this popping up here.

We have more than enough problems in this country at the moment, both financially and and more importantly, our immature "me first" attitude to politics and citizenship in general. I think we'd be better off getting our own house in order before we start banging the "United Ireland" drum - never mind that there's no evidence to support that's what the people actually want.

I mean, who in their right mind would want to join this corrupt, backward parochial bankrupt little backwater anyway?

getzls

If you start re-drawing, where do you stop. East/ South East Antrim where there will always be a Unionist majority?

the emperors innuendo

The whole concept of British Unionism is beginning to falter, not only here but also in Scotland. Perhaps the English should just stand back and accept that their day in the sun is now over.

Happy Monday

the emperors innuendo wrote: »

The whole concept of British Unionism is beginning to falter, not only here but also in Scotland. Perhaps the English should just stand back and accept that their day in the sun is now over.

Polls don't bear you out.
Over 70% of those populations wish to remain part of the UK.
We have to keep voting until we change our mind in our union.

getzls

the emperors innuendo wrote: »

The whole concept of British Unionism is beginning to falter, not only here but also in Scotland. Perhaps the English should just stand back and accept that their day in the sun is now over.

The sun has set a long time ago on the Empire. But they will let countries and dependencies decide their future. We see that in N. Ireland and the Falklands and yes Scotland. Scotland will be a near thing but they will vote no i.m.o.

BlaasForRafa

I couldn't give a stuff what happens with the Irish border with the United Kingdom, however there does need to a be boundary commission to extend the Waterford city boundary into south kilkenny.

mikemac1

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

I couldn't give a stuff what happens with the Irish border with the United Kingdom, however there does need to a be boundary commission to extend the Waterford city boundary into south kilkenny.

You'd have an easier time sorting out NI then sorting out Waterford/Kilkenny

Remember this?

WATERFORD City Council has been accused of acting like Nazis.

The allegation was made by the former chairwoman of Kilkenny Co Council, Mary Hilda Cavanagh, on Friday.

She described Waterford City Council’s proposal to extend into County Kilkenny as something that “Hitler and his hench men” would try.

Cllr Cavanagh said that looking back through history, it was obvious that the cause of World War II was the aggression shown by the Nazis and added that the actions of Waterford City, which wants to double its size at the expense of Co Kilkenny, reminded her of that dark period.

Some fighting talk :eek:

“We had them before in our history and defeated them and I would like Waterford City Council to take note, there is no room for landgrabbers around here,” he said.

http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local/waterford_city_council_compared_to_nazis_as_boundary_row_hots_up_1_2152735

goose2005

the emperors innuendo wrote: »

The whole concept of British Unionism is beginning to falter, not only here but also in Scotland. Perhaps the English should just stand back and accept that their day in the sun is now over.

British and English are not synonymous, and there are many in England who would be glad to rid of the expense and problems that come with being joined to Scotland/NI.

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

goose2005 wrote: »

Do they? [London]Derry city might, but not the county. And isn't south Down strongly protestant?

County Derry has a small Catholic majority and South Down elects more nationalist MLA's than Unionist.

golfball37

Where exactly would these new counties go?

From being ruled by London to be ruled by Berlin?

I presonally would like to see a united Ireland no matter what it costs financially. Even if that were to be under her majesty I would welcome it. Anything is better than being ruled by the incompetent gombeens that pass as the political class in this failed state.

the emperors innuendo

golfball37 wrote: »

Where exactly would these new counties go?

From being ruled by London to be ruled by Berlin?

I presonally would like to see a united Ireland no matter what it costs financially. Even if that were to be under her majesty I would welcome it. Anything is better than being ruled by the incompetent gombeens that pass as the political class in this failed state.

Who ever envisaged a 26 county state to begin with? The idea was only pieced together at the last moment with no long term thought put into it. The first and second largest cities on the island are divided by an international border? Its nonsense, the island is not big enough to function properly with 2 states, there should only be one.

getzls

the emperors innuendo wrote: »

Who ever envisaged a 26 county state? The idea was only pieced together at the last moment with no long term thought put into it. The first and second largest cities on the island are divided by an international border? Its nonsense, the island is not big enough to function properly with 2 states, there should be only one.

Northern Ireland has been a country since 1921. A lot longer than many countries in the world.

Benny_Cake

whitelines wrote: »

I think it might be worth looking at transferring certain strongly Nationalist border areas to The Republic, such as the west bank of The Foyle, Strabane and Newry/South Armagh. Years ago these had plenty of Unionists in them (15 000 lived in the west bank of The Foyle, only about 500 now), but they were driven out or left through fear so the process today would be much easier. Of course, those living in the areas concerned would have to have a vote and The Republic would have to agree. Those not wanting the process could be compensated and perhaps move a few miles back into NI.

It's definitely feasible.

So the city of Derry will be partitioned too? I don't see how that's feasible, nor am I seeing and demand from the people of the city that it be split in two. Repartition is completely unnecessary and defeats the entire purpose of the Belfast Agreement.

the emperors innuendo

getzls wrote: »

Northern Ireland has been a country since 1921. A lot longer than many countries in the world.

I wouldnt call it a state, an occupation would be more appropriate considering the ridiculous amounts spent on security every year.

Fromthetrees

getzls wrote: »

Northern Ireland has been a country since 1921. A lot longer than many countries in the world.

It's not a country, it's a statelet.

Nodin

laoch na mona wrote: »

Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry, south Armagh and south Down all have a nationalist majority so should we redraw the border to satisfy peoples wishes?


I think it would mark an important step in the peace process as it would reaffirm
the claim that Britain has no strategic interest in northern Ireland

It would also rob dissidents of support as it would show that the peace process is working?

I think the fairest way to redraw the boarder would be to incorporate constituencies where nationalists get a majority of the vote into the republic

Can of worms. Leave it another 40-50 years. It'll still be there.

golden lane

if scotland votes for independance.....will nothern ireland, be british/ english

or british/scottish........??????

getzls

the emperors innuendo wrote: »

I wouldnt call it a state, an occupation would be more appropriate considering the ridiculous amounts spent on security every year.

Do you not wonder why money was spent on security? You know that there was a wee bit of trouble now and again.:cool:

junder

golden lane wrote: »

if scotland votes for independance.....will nothern ireland, be british/ english

or british/scottish........??????

How about British / northern Irish

getzls

Fromthetrees wrote: »

It's not a country, it's a statelet.

Come on now, not that old rubbish again. It's a country. So a bit of respect.

RMD

the emperors innuendo wrote: »

I wouldnt call it a state, an occupation would be more appropriate considering the ridiculous amounts spent on security every year.

The majority of it's citizens wish for the union to remain intact, therefore it's a country. If this weren't the case then it would be an occupation. The GFA which was overwhelmingly supported throughout the island confirms it as a country.

golden lane

junder wrote: »

How about British / northern Irish

somehow i don't see that......

whitelines

Fromthetrees wrote: »

It's not a country, it's a statelet.

It's a region of The UK.

thecommietommy

whitelines wrote: »

I think it might be worth looking at transferring certain strongly Nationalist border areas to The Republic, such as the west bank of The Foyle, Strabane and Newry/South Armagh. Years ago these had plenty of Unionists in them (15 000 lived in the west bank of The Foyle, only about 500 now), but they were driven out or left through fear so the process today would be much easier. Of course, those living in the areas concerned would have to have a vote and The Republic would have to agree. Those not wanting the process could be compensated and perhaps move a few miles back into NI.

It's definitely feasible.

Plantation, Act of Union, Partition, etc all have failed, is it not time unionists went back to Britain where they might feel really British for a change ??

thecommietommy

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

Are we EVER gong to get over this "800 years" mentality in this country?!

Yes the English conquered the country in the last century but back then that was considered acceptable statecraft and they certainly weren't the only ones to subjugate indigenous populations in the pursuit of expanding their empires.

Times change and despite atrocities committed by both sides, dialogue and negotiation has brought a workable peace to the population and yet every few weeks there's still threads like this popping up here.

We have more than enough problems in this country at the moment, both financially and and more importantly, our immature "me first" attitude to politics and citizenship in general. I think we'd be better off getting our own house in order before we start banging the "United Ireland" drum - never mind that there's no evidence to support that's what the people actually want.

I mean, who in their right mind would want to join this corrupt, backward parochial bankrupt little backwater anyway?

I find it funny the poster castigates people about having a "me first" attitude while he of course has never had to live with the consequences of the orange state that my relatives had to and certainly wouldn't like to either. And when it comes to corruption - never hear of the MP's expences scandal, asking £250,000 for priemership access to the Prime minister ? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17503116

Or bankruptcy, just who was bankrupt in the mid 70's and had to call in the IMF and may again soon ? IMF warns UK may need fiscal stimulus
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/blog

junder

thecommietommy wrote: »

whitelines wrote: »

I think it might be worth looking at transferring certain strongly Nationalist border areas to The Republic, such as the west bank of The Foyle, Strabane and Newry/South Armagh. Years ago these had plenty of Unionists in them (15 000 lived in the west bank of The Foyle, only about 500 now), but they were driven out or left through fear so the process today would be much easier. Of course, those living in the areas concerned would have to have a vote and The Republic would have to agree. Those not wanting the process could be compensated and perhaps move a few miles back into NI.

It's definitely feasible.

Plantation, Act of Union, Partition, etc all have failed, is it not time unionists went back to Britain where they might feel really British for a change ??

I feel 'really' British were I am thanks. Moreover how can we 'go back' to somewhere that we are not from. The language of 'go back to where your from' generally is attributed to those of a far right bent. Would you say that to a Pakistani or an Indian or maybe somebody from Africa or is it ok to use that langauge against unionists because we are predominantly white? What about a Indian northern irish unionist where would you tell him to go? See I know this fellow who lives down the shankill who is Indian but married to a northern Irish girl, since your telling us to 'go back to where we come from' you will need to clarify where exactly you mean for this guy

ardmacha

Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry, south Armagh and south Down

These places have had nationalist majorities since 1921, why now?

The GFA which was overwhelmingly supported throughout the island confirms it as a country.

Which paragraph, exactly?

See I know this fellow who lives down the shankill who is Indian but married to a northern Irish girl, since your telling us to 'go back to where we come from' you will need to clarify where exactly you mean for this guy

Provided that this "fellow" does not want India to rule Belfast, I don't see that there is any need to tell him anything.

junder

ardmacha wrote: »

Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry, south Armagh and south Down

These places have had nationalist majorities since 1921, why now?

The GFA which was overwhelmingly supported throughout the island confirms it as a country.

Which paragraph, exactly?

See I know this fellow who lives down the shankill who is Indian but married to a northern Irish girl, since your telling us to 'go back to where we come from' you will need to clarify where exactly you mean for this guy

Provided that this "fellow" does not want India to rule Belfast, I don't see that there is any need to tell him anything.

Oh right I get you now, he can stay because he is of Indian descent but the rest of us white unionists have to go "back to Britain" thanks for clearing that up

Benny_Cake

thecommietommy wrote: »

Plantation, Act of Union, Partition, etc all have failed, is it not time unionists went back to Britain where they might feel really British for a change ??

Ireland is home for nationalists and unionists, it's pretty ludicrous to suggest that anyone should have to leave the place that their families have called home for centuries. The current setup seems to be working quite well.

golden lane

junder wrote: »

Oh right I get you now, he can stay because he is of Indian descent but the rest of us white unionists have to go "back to Britain" thanks for clearing that up

you stay where you are.....maybe you own more of ireland than they do........


i think everybody from europe does....

laoch na mona

Benny_Cake wrote: »

So the city of Derry will be partitioned too? I don't see how that's feasible, nor am I seeing and demand from the people of the city that it be split in two. Repartition is completely unnecessary and defeats the entire purpose of the Belfast Agreement.

all of derry would join the republic in line with the wishes of the majority

golden lane

laoch na mona wrote: »

all of derry would join the republic in line with the wishes of the majority

have they not already voted on that matter.......even the irish constitution was changed.........

Benny_Cake

laoch na mona wrote: »

Benny_Cake wrote: »

So the city of Derry will be partitioned too? I don't see how that's feasible, nor am I seeing and demand from the people of the city that it be split in two. Repartition is completely unnecessary and defeats the entire purpose of the Belfast Agreement.

all of derry would join the republic in line with the wishes of the majority

The poster I was responding to suggested that the west bank of the Foyle would go to the Republic, not the whole city.