© 2025 Irish Border Poll All rights reserved.
Irish Border Poll is not responsible for the content of any third-party websites.
Irish Border Poll uses cookies. Continued use of this site will be deemed to be acceptance of cookies.
Email Irish Border Poll at [email protected]. Privacy policy
Proper preparation for constitutional change is hard to oppose. That makes the growing consensus surrounding it easy to understand, sensible and very welcome. More work is required, but informed observers know that reflection on a united Ireland is in a different and better place. Many hope the Irish Government will now play a more extensive part in the conversation about new arrangements for our shared island.
Lost in the jargon-heavy world of detailed planning are the personal dimensions for those living in this region. One stands out: The persistent denial of choice continues to grate. We are submerged in clichés assuring us about the significance of our consent; a legal right to decide our own future. A right that we are not permitted to exercise in the accepted way.
Fundamental to our peace agreement yet shrouded still in euphemism and abject irresponsible avoidance. Evasive positioning by both governments that is ill-advised and unsustainable.
So, a gentle plea of sorts for 2025 to respect promises made, as we labour diligently in anticipation of the day when people here will have their say. The referendums at the heart of this island-wide reconciliation project cannot be sidestepped forever.
Colin Harvey is a Professor in the School of Law at Queen’s University Belfast