FrancieBrady wrote: » We're back to arbitrary 'cut off' points to suit an agenda. Ho hum. How is partition going from your 'modern perspective'? We don't need a trip around the world blanch, just give us your perspective on what is happening here and now?
FrancieBrady wrote: » Trend is only heading one way.https://ukandeu.ac.uk/northern-ireland-five-years-on/
jh79 wrote: » Read the research a few times in case I was missing something. What trend are both of ye referring to in it?
There was a steep and steady growth each year in the proportion of Irish nationalists believing that Brexit made Irish unification more likely. The trend was less dramatic among ‘neithers’, but it was in the same direction. 2020 changed everything for unionists, a plurality of whom now believe a united Ireland to be more likely as a consequence of Brexit.
FrancieBrady wrote: » The one mentioned in the research you claim to have read a few times?
jh79 wrote: » Sorry should of worded it better. Why do you think this trend is significant given that support for a UI is trending downwards? Maybe if the trend downwards is reversed in the next LucidTalk poll this paper will be more relevant. "What has happened in the past five years has not so far had the effect of creating such a majority in Northern Ireland. However it has given rise to a situation which is seen by the plurality of people there as making a united Ireland more likely (Fig.1)."
FrancieBrady wrote: » If s vote were to happen tomorrow it is trending down. And we also have no proposal on the table yet. I would expect polling numbers would change once that point is reached as they did in Scotland. People who are expecting a UI or who think it is inevitable will be much easier convinced when a plan is produced.
jh79 wrote: » The author disagrees with you anyways. "Unionists being less in favour of Irish unification doesn’t make it less likely to happen, any more than nationalists being more in favour of it makes it more likely." Asking someone how they think others will vote isn't going to tell you as much as asking how they would vote.
drdidlittle wrote: » Question... Why is Scotland independence always mentioned in this UI thread.... Surely an independent Scotland equates more to an independent NI than a UI.
FrancieBrady wrote: » Again, asking people how they would vote when there is NO plan or proposal is dodgy polling. Nobody is going to be voting in the absence of a plan or proposal and opinion will change once a plan and proposal is presented. You are clinging to dodgy data. What we know for certain s the amount who want a UI on both sides and the numbers who now think it is inevitable. That is a year on year growing number (trend) across all demographics/creeds/ and political affiliations.
mehico wrote: » One of the interesting trends emerging in the report linked to above is the attitude of the middle ground. It suggests that 42% of those self-identifying as being non-aligned saying that Brexit has made them more in favour of Irish unification.
jh79 wrote: » Previous polls showed similar. Explains why Mary Lou looked so miserable when the deal on the protocol was made! Is Once the DUP get a "revised" version of the protocol so they can claim a victory a UI will be on the back burner again.
mehico wrote: » That is one way of interpreting it. I believe the protocol will be revised but don't think the DUP will be able to claim this as a victory because as far as I understand it, they want the Protocol removed in its entirety and anything less than this could be viewed as a failure.
jh79 wrote: » Previous polls showed similar. Explains why Mary Lou looked so miserable when the deal on the protocol was made! Once the DUP get a "revised" version of the protocol so they can claim a victory a UI will be on the back burner again.
FrancieBrady wrote: » What??? You have decided her position on the Protocol based on how she was looking? Heard it all now. In the realm of wishful thinking that takes some beating. 'eee she were glum'.
jh79 wrote: » Jaysus it was a joke. (Was gonna say should of put an exclamation mark but i already had!)I suspect SF were hoping for a hard Brexit. Whether they were or not is irrelevant anyways. The majority in NI only wanted unfication if there was a hard brexit. As long as there is a protocol in place there will be no UI irrespective of SF or the DUP stance
FrancieBrady wrote: » Is you suspicion a joke as well? Do you have anything to back this stuff up? The 'trend' shows that more and more people year on year since Brexit believe a UI is inevitable. The polls show that people are not yet ready to vote for it...why...because some are reticent about it without a proposal from the Irish government as to what a UI will look like. I see nothing on the horizon that will stop what is causing people to believe a UI is inevitable. In fact I see the UK trying to diverge further away and Scotland coming into play.
jh79 wrote: » Unification was more likely in the event if a hard brexit so am assuming given the politics of SF that this was there preferred outcome. Seems logical to me. Unionist fatalism doesn't mean they'll vote for it. They'll vote no and get a pleasant surprise. Doesn't seem to be a plan forthcoming from any party. You see the "power swap" parties as somewhat partitionist but that begs the question why you give SF's inaction such a soft touch?
FrancieBrady wrote: » ?? It is the Irish government's job to come up with a plan/proposal not SF's who are not in government. I 'suspect' it will be their price for going into any future government though and failing that I expect FF and FG to start moving towards that. Leo has shown that he sees a UI decision coming. My 'suspicion' is that they have been given a nod through back channels that the UK will call one soon. A UI is more and more in their interests as it is in ours and the rest of the EU.
jh79 wrote: » They don't have to wait to be in government in the Republic to produce a plan. It's not gonna change once in government anyways. The polls are not in their favour, a plan might change that so why not do it now?
FrancieBrady wrote: » Bizarre, Have you given any thought to this at all? A plan/proposal can only be put forward after negotiations with the British as to what an Irish government is proposing. For instance pensions...no plan can say what will happen with them until it is negotiated. There would also have to be a whole gamut of rights agreed before a plan/proposal can be made. SF have spoken about their specific vision for a UI but that is all it is or can be.
jh79 wrote: » That only applies to the subvention which we all know isn't the true cost of unification. What grace period will you give the SF government on a plan for the full cost?
jh79 wrote: » Not relevant to the cost of a UI but a colleague of Prof Doyle pointed out that Scottish independence might mean that the British might not be as amenable to paying all the cost of pensions and debt given the huge cost for both. Doyle has promised a reposte.
FrancieBrady wrote: » ?? There are many things that can be speculated about. I am sure we will negotiate the best deal we can.
jh79 wrote: » Francie, predictions on the cost of a "New Ireland" or annexation whatever you prefer, are all based on readily available information. There is no secret info or data on the cost. SF or any of the rest could tomorrow produce a report with scenarios such as the British paying x, y and z. There is no excuse.
FrancieBrady wrote: » To what end if there is no agreement? Why would they waste their time? You are being ridiculous. I wouldn't expect any political party to produce a full plan/proposal. That is the work of a government.