Rational optimist

RN Veteran.Tory ex Cllr & Cab. For market economy, North Sea energy, low tax, strong defence, Irish born Unionist. Proud of UK history. Carpe Diem! Own views

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

#SaluteOurForces - article I wrote about Armed Forces Day in Chichester Post issue 6 https://t.co/j49OeJHx6u via @issuu

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@MrVirtueSignal @SRAikenUUP @DanMulhall Indeed. The demographic argument is very dated as the Institute of Irish Studies data shows. No nationalist tide. Immigrants to NI are the biggest change typically undecided or pro Union

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@DanMulhall It’s hard to see why. Irish govt signed up to that wording which stops gaming the process. Hothouse is in Dublin with FG trying to squeeze the SF vote. With “unity” at 35-40% support change unlikely. No UK govt need to appease nationalists. Why bother?

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@KJH19322252 @SRAikenUUP The Ambassador says pressure will build. Which actually means the Dublin media, Irish political parties trying to constrain SinnFein and nationalists will get excited. And?

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@Risinggael1685 @HoratioNelson0 Well it proves that the New Ireland waffle that the Dublin media love is utter rubbish. No respect for traditions. Many people find the Easter Lily and Republican parades difficult

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@arleneseesit @irish_news The Irish Government agreed to it.

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@irish_news The Irish government agreed to it

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@KJH19322252 @SRAikenUUP It’s part of the FG attempt to squeeze the SinnFein vote by suddenly being aggressively republican. All about Dublin political battles and no benefit to Northern Ireland

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@MichelleBu23567 @uuponline Both things can be true. Regardless, nationalists will argue for their perspective. But equally there are practical problems which need resolving now rather than theorising about a change of sovereignty which best case is decades away and may never happen.

[Mr Virtue Signal @MrVirtueSignal]

Tough questions especially from Humphreys who devoted so much of her life to public service in 🇮🇪.

The answer, sadly, is that there is a hierarchy of Irishness and the Protestant is a lesser citizen.

The idea of a million unionists joining the state is simply for the birds.

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@annie_mcginley We disagree agreeably. Have a great weekend and take care too.

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@DailyMail No. Never. Not on any terms at any time.

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@KellyMatshall As Heather Humphrey’s article in today’s Irish Times shows

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@MichelleBu23567 @uuponline Well everything Burrows says is true. That doesn’t stop you arguing for Irish Unity (or Annexation) but polling consistently shows 35-40% in favour of a change of sovereignty no where near a majority. So practically it’s off the table.

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@MichaelPTKelly Both things can be true. Whilst it certainly wasn’t the only factor in HH defeat the sectarianism and two tier irishness she mentions which is never far below the surface in Ireland was certainly a factor

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@annie_mcginley Well the Irish government signed up for it. Those exact words. Endorsed in two separate referenda. I think taking territory from another state is annexation. So we differ. But it’s off the table for the foreseeable future.

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@annie_mcginley 2) Section 1 of Northern Ireland Act 1998 which put the BA/GFA into UK law makes the sole discretion clear to prevent gaming the process. It’s tough for Dublin politicians that there won’t be a poll for many years, maybe ever. But no majority support for one.

[PJ @JP46251093]

Why Northern Ireland ever existed and does so today in one article

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@Risinggael1685 @cahillbooks @SRAikenUUP Economically that’s correct. Fine if you don’t articulate your background or identity. When I wear a poppy in Dublin it attracts hostile looks as an example. If rather than when support for annexation less than <40%

[Rational optimist @Rational1922]

@annie_mcginley 2) Re HH her article in today’s IT shows the two tiers of Irishness. Protestants not truly Irish. Obviously Unionists sympathised. Neale is articulating a mainstream nationalist position on annexation. Totally different. Butter both sides is fine.