Prof Colin Harvey, School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast
Are you bored yet? Talk of unity is hard to ignore. What are we to make of it all? 2025 witnessed the arrival of more books, articles, podcasts, blogs, opinion pieces, public events and several striking political interventions. A gathering and formidable consensus that a serious debate must happen, with suggestions aligned to practical ideas for moving into a different phase. Signs too that pro-union voices are reacting, stirring, organising and honing better arguments. Shy unionists remain everywhere present in professional life; even reserved allegiance to the status quo is partisan though. The tensions at work will intensify when we enter a formal referendum campaign.
For constitutional change makers the headlines are encouraging. Expansive engagement is positive and very welcome. Only the most dyspeptic observer would deny the now obvious. At the end of 2025 core questions on process, substance and strategy are being raised and clarified. Answers are also being offered. The demands for a blueprint (not always in good faith) being wrapped around principled requests for a timeframe, dedicated resourcing and open governmental involvement. Stand outs include: the report of the NWC All-Island Women’s Assembly; the centrality of unity to the Presidential election; new myth-busting research from Prof John Doyle; Féile an Phobail (as always and ever); the mighty consensus-building in the Oireachtas (including on the GFA Committee) and local councils; the new books from Ben Collins, Paul Gosling, Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride; the impressive contributions of the pro-unity parties; and – yes, I know – the podcast series from BBCNI. These are only select examples from a busy and productive year. It is challenging to keep up. All deserve recognition and acknowledgement.
We could ponder a united Ireland in theory forever. The methodological battle of the polls and power point slides has commenced and may go on indefinitely. For unity advocates that is not what this is primarily about. We want the opportunity to live in a New Ireland. We in Ireland – the North especially – have a strong interest in framing and approaching this properly. A managed transition with significant government and civic involvement, dialogue and investment, nested in robust and tangible international backing. Dublin is of more consequence than London. The misinformed musings of the latest Secretary of State are disappointing but unsurprising. What matters most is the Irish Government making its collective mind up about acting on a goal it is legally/politically committed to. Yes, it is as odd as it sounds. Any political leader – former or current – with an eye on legacy will privately know that this is a chance to shine. London and Europe are unlikely to budge without a quiet steer from Dublin. There will never be a perfect moment.
2025 was therefore another successful year for the unity movement. A deepening acceptance of the path our shared island is on. What might happen next? There is an understandable preoccupation with preparatory architecture and fine-tuning persuasive and evidentially well-grounded proposals. That is essential and needs to continue. But more must be done in 2026 to advance the basic choice that legally underpins the constitutional status of the North. Principle of consent, anyone? A major push for a negotiated timetable is vital; timing (as Ireland’s Future identified) must have a prominent role. The reason why preparation can be dismissed so easily is because many still do not see the prospect of a border poll as real or imminent. That perception must be altered dramatically.
Those living in the North – particularly people experiencing the harsh socio-economic realities of inherited structural disadvantage – do not have the luxury of endless abstract speculation. 2026 will require a steely determination to broaden support for constitutional change and finally place the denial of our collective choice centre stage.
Prof Colin Harvey, School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast
Are you bored yet? Talk of unity is hard to ignore. What are we to make of it all? 2025 witnessed the arrival of more books, articles, podcasts, blogs, opinion pieces, public events and several striking political interventions. A gathering and formidable consensus that a serious debate must happen, with suggestions aligned to practical ideas for moving into a different phase. Signs too that pro-union voices are reacting, stirring, organising and honing better arguments. Shy unionists remain everywhere present in professional life; even reserved allegiance to the status quo is partisan though. The tensions at work will intensify when we enter a formal referendum campaign.
For constitutional change makers the headlines are encouraging. Expansive engagement is positive and very welcome. Only the most dyspeptic observer would deny the now obvious. At the end of 2025 core questions on process, substance and strategy are being raised and clarified. Answers are also being offered. The demands for a blueprint (not always in good faith) being wrapped around principled requests for a timeframe, dedicated resourcing and open governmental involvement. Stand outs include: the report of the NWC All-Island Women’s Assembly; the centrality of unity to the Presidential election; new myth-busting research from Prof John Doyle; Féile an Phobail (as always and ever); the mighty consensus-building in the Oireachtas (including on the GFA Committee) and local councils; the new books from Ben Collins, Paul Gosling, Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride; the impressive contributions of the pro-unity parties; and – yes, I know – the podcast series from BBCNI. These are only select examples from a busy and productive year. It is challenging to keep up. All deserve recognition and acknowledgement.
We could ponder a united Ireland in theory forever. The methodological battle of the polls and power point slides has commenced and may go on indefinitely. For unity advocates that is not what this is primarily about. We want the opportunity to live in a New Ireland. We in Ireland – the North especially – have a strong interest in framing and approaching this properly. A managed transition with significant government and civic involvement, dialogue and investment, nested in robust and tangible international backing. Dublin is of more consequence than London. The misinformed musings of the latest Secretary of State are disappointing but unsurprising. What matters most is the Irish Government making its collective mind up about acting on a goal it is legally/politically committed to. Yes, it is as odd as it sounds. Any political leader – former or current – with an eye on legacy will privately know that this is a chance to shine. London and Europe are unlikely to budge without a quiet steer from Dublin. There will never be a perfect moment.
2025 was therefore another successful year for the unity movement. A deepening acceptance of the path our shared island is on. What might happen next? There is an understandable preoccupation with preparatory architecture and fine-tuning persuasive and evidentially well-grounded proposals. That is essential and needs to continue. But more must be done in 2026 to advance the basic choice that legally underpins the constitutional status of the North. Principle of consent, anyone? A major push for a negotiated timetable is vital; timing (as Ireland’s Future identified) must have a prominent role. The reason why preparation can be dismissed so easily is because many still do not see the prospect of a border poll as real or imminent. That perception must be altered dramatically.
Those living in the North – particularly people experiencing the harsh socio-economic realities of inherited structural disadvantage – do not have the luxury of endless abstract speculation. 2026 will require a steely determination to broaden support for constitutional change and finally place the denial of our collective choice centre stage.