NI Census 2021

There's no provision in the GFA for NI to ever exist independently so those who identify as Northern Irish only are out of luck before the competition even starts. The SoS would not really be able to use their sentiments to determine anything, either way.

This change is big, despite DownCow's attempts to play it down. Why is it big? Because those unionist Catholics are not loyal to the Crown. They are economic unionists mostly. The moment NI offers a lower standard of living to them, they will vote for a UI. That's the difference to years ago, where the Protestant majority guaranteed the union, no matter how things were in NI. The "mainland" parties have also all but given up on NI. If it comes to cutting back NHS spending in England or NI, NI will be left empty handed going forward. The UK economy is in for a very rough time as the effects of Brexit become ever more apparent.

Agreements can be changed or amended if circumstances dictate.

Thirty years ago, the 26 counties didn’t have divorce, abortion or SSM and there was nothing in our Constitution which referred to it. However the wishes of the people were listened to and we have referendums(in some cases multiple ones).

The GFA is not set in stone, and if the people of Northern Ireland choose a different option, then it is their prerogative. It would probably involve an amendment first to the GFA underpinned by a vote but it is their decision.

If in 10 years, 30% of the population identify as Northern Irish rather than British or Irish, you can’t just ignore that because if doesn’t suit the GFA.

You say this over multiple threads.

The solution to partition isn't continued partition.

Agree 100% with that piece - except for his ‘potential catastrophic’ comment. I guess you could say ‘potentially’ pigs might fly.

the fact of all the bumps in the road he has mentioned, and still we are secure, is important. Unionist do need to stop scoring own goals, and we will have an easy win.

here is a wee post I read tonight which domes up the ordinary folk of ni:

”Much is being made of the census and the supposed inevitability of so-called Irish unity resulting from the tilting of the balance of the Protestant/Roman Catholic cohorts in favour of Catholicism. 

It brought to mind a very old and dear RC friend of ours - she is 94 years old and my wife has known her since she was no age. She is very devout and visits her chapel every day despite her great years and has a picture of the Sacred Heart on her wall. 

Nothing remarkable, you might say, and you'd be right.

But beside the picture of the Sacred Heart is a photograph of our late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for our dear friend is a life-long Royalist who follows the Royal family with great affection. On the day of Her Majesty's funeral she watched the ceremonies from beginning to end, only taking time out for her daily visit to church.

Of course, you will have already guessed the point I am making because a great many of you have RC friends who whilst not able to proclaim the fact are nonetheless happy to be citizens of the United Kingdom and want nothing at all to do with "Irish unification". 

The census proves nothing.”

It is failing less as time goes on.

I don't think that will happen but it is an outside possibility.

That's the point I was making.

Great post

Tbh brexit was bad for unionism. But even brexit has not made moderate catholics want to leave the comfort of the Uk. I believe hardline unionists will learn. In the same way as roi has transformed its ultra catholic, no condoms, gays or divorces, etc. hardline unionists will change and be much more liberal. That will be the shinners nightmare

Are you not just wanting to move the partition from Dundalk to Larne ?

Who thinks the citizens of this Republic would want the Six Counties? Well we might if it's on our terms. Big levelling up of the civil & public service and reduce the number of public/ civil servants up north would be one of the first demands. No way we'd be keeping yous in the style you've become accustomed to, sucking off the teats of the Brit taxpayers :)

With Sinn Fein as top dog in this new independent NI? I can't see any unionist or loyalist going for that one. They would think they would be better off in a UI.

It's the trend that's killing them, and they know they can't stop the trend

And their attitude to Brexit has a huge part in that trend.

would anyone have believed that the 33% approx who regarded themselves as Irish only in 1922 would actually reduce to 29% over the next 100years. Project United ireland has been an unmitigated failure.

I don’t know a single person, even on here, who thinks these stats would suggest the majority of people in ni want a United ireland. That’s remarkable. We have had discrimination, sectarianism, 30-year armed conflict, flags protest, brexit, etc and still only a small minority are interested in joining the UI promised land. And over the last 100 years we have been told continually that a Ui was just around the corner. I guess if it keeps people happy to aspire towards the unachievable so be it

Next thing you'll be advocating for an invasion to liberate the south ;-) That's some twisting of the obvious facts.