References to a united Ireland, as can be judged in recent weeks in Belfast’s newspapers and radio stations if less so in Dublin, are increasingly difficult to avoid. Serious players across these islands – and well beyond – realise that intensive and open governmental preparation cannot be deferred forever. Northern Ireland does not need the chaos of a reactive referendum flowing from the unintended consequences of narrow English nationalism. [ In a united Ireland, should everyone be given a choice of Irish, British or dual identity?Opens in new window ]There is a well-founded desire not to mess this up. It would be a foolish public servant, for example, who ignored the evidential signs of these times on this island.

Source: The Irish Times October 29, 2025 15:25 UTC