How can we integrate Unionism into a possible United Ireland?

Lots of countries have a united country under a federal system. Do you not think Germany is united for instance or Australia ?

And they **** the bed in the new arrangement so much it has failed. Failed everyone, even Unionists.

What say do the three counties of Monaghan Donegal and Cavan get. We get separated just to appease some belligerent Unionists?

No thanks Tom.

Ehhh, it might be preferable, or it may be what is needed to get your vote, but 50%+1 is all that is needed unless you can get enough people on board to tear up the GFA (which, to be clear I wouldn't like to see; I think it would inevitably cause a degree of instability if it was so close). Wanting to get rid of the GFA would firmly align you with the likes of Jamie Bryson....hardly bridge building company you'd be in there.

I'd also question just how many bridges you'd build by telling 75% of the population that the vote of the other 25% was worth over three times more than theirs in the event of a hypothetical 75:25 vote split, which you think shouldn't result in Unification?

But there's an obvious reason, isn't there?

Complete nonsense because we don't currently live in a unified Ireland. No point basing the future on fantasy scenarios.

The reality of two separate states on this island needs to be faced up to. 100 years of divergence is far more than the 50 years of German divergence and an immediate unitary state did not work for them. The only possible unitary state in the next 40 years is a Federal Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with guarantees on equality and human rights for all. A role for the UK, whether we are members of the Commonwealth or something else, would also be required. A beefing up of the East-West institutions of the GFA is another option.

That is so funny, because only 30% in the North want a united Ireland, so that ain't happening and it seems that if your views represent the 30%, they are so belligerent in their insistence on a particular outcome that they ain't getting that ever.

The 50%+1, 'nonsense' is enshrined in an international agreement, Furze. I look forward to monitoring your efforts to have Ireland and/or the UK tear up the GFA....but I won't hold my breath on it.

As I said, 50%+1 is not a desirable outcome by any means, but I'd find the alternative even more egregious: ignoring the majority and once more valuing a Unionist vote more than a Nationalist vote.....

If you've read any of my previous posts, you'll see I'm very much in favour of compromise and arrangements to protect Unionist/Ulster Scots culture and make them feel welcomed in a United Ireland, so take the, 'substantial sacrifices' talk to someone else. I always notice a dearth of calls for those from a Unionist background to make comparable substantial sacrifices to make Nationalists feel welcome enough in NI to stop them voting for the Unification you so dread.

You say you favour Unification, but no one who actually favours something would call for requiring an 80% vote for something in two jurisdictions to make it happen. You try and play like you're taking the moral high ground while calling for something so offensive to the concept of democracy as valuing the vote of one group at over three times that of another.

You also complain of the instability that would ensure from a 50%+1 Brexit style vote.....yet totally refuse to address the inevitably much greater instability that would be caused by ignoring the wishes of 3/4 of the population and an international agreement, or are you just another, 'I'm alright, Jack' and to hell with what happens up there, hiding behind, 'but I totally want Unification' lipservice?

blanch's objection to a UI is the seediest of them all, he just doesn't want to see the Shinners win. He doesn't care about people or anything else really.

30% in favour before any plan is presented is a brilliant result Frazer.

30% who would vote for it tomorrow when many advocates like me wouldn't vote for it tomorrow without a plan in place, is extraordinary no matter what way you swing it.

And we know what way you want to swing it.

If you are to respect the British identity, how do you do that without a role for the UK?

Joining the Commonwealth or enhancing the East/West institutions are not Ireland as part of the UK in all but name.

You sound like Francie in that response, ignoring what was actually said.