I think when there will be a United Sates of Europe(because that is the way things are going) of course a united Ireland would happen. Unless Britain would not agree to further integration within the EU then there would have to be a land border between the Republic and the North, I don’t think the people of Ireland would accept a land border on this island. Or else there will be a united Ireland if we were to rejoin the UK. I hope both situations will not happen.

Kenny is playing the populist game to bolster the Blueshirt’s December Budget. Everyone knows he doesn’t believe what he says.

Mark: trollololololol lolol lol lol.
Troll.

Mark
You don’t have to convince us down here. In the North opinion polls show a very substantial and consistent majority against a United Ireland. Interesting to see such a high proportion of Catholics that want nothing to do with the South.
With an informed debate on the same subject I believe you might not get a majority in the Republic either. However that is immaterial as you need the figure in the North to first pass the fifty percent level and you haven’t a chance in Hell over the next twenty years.

An end to Fine Gael and an an economic turnaround? Early Elections PLEASE.

Ah Mark. The people have spoken and they placed SF on the margins. You’ll have to live with decent people running the country, instead of a band of drug dealers, terrorists , murderers and liars. Try again in 3 years.

F***king hell Killian….actually – sorry killian, I understand you’re one of the few that still maintain the FG and labour mandate uttered during the GE is the same mandate they persevere with now….I apologise again, here’s a rubber ball – go fetch.

#Dermot- The Irish people get what they deserve. We consistently reward those who tell us what we want to hear at Election time. Contrast the fortunes of Messrs Ahern & Haughey with that of Alan Dukes. Fianna Fáil were unashamed in doing it. If a few truths were massaged by FG pre election we shouldn’t be surprised. That is how the electorate have conditioned politicians. You can’t change things from the opposition benches.

Damn, I was beaten to to it :)

James, that episode was banned by the BBC. Lmao, I remember it well, Lieutenant Data, what a guy!

But he hates a chancer.

Fine Gael oppose reunification. Look at their demonization of the IRA and other republican volunteers.

*volunteers* should read *murderers*….just helping you out Mark.

I support reunification toorkeel. You on the other hand are an insignificant Unionist with insignificant views.

@Mark.

That bridge comfortable enough for you?

Fine Gael does not oppose Unification. It was the first party to secure a role for the Republic in governance of the North by virtue of the Anglo Irish Agreement. What they’re not in favour of is planting bombs in pubs and killing civilians or holding up post offices in Limerick and shooting Gardai dead.

How do propose a “United Ireland” with 1.5m insignificant Unionists Mark (Tim)?

1.5m is a bullshit figure. But then Unionism was responsible for Gerrymandering so massaging figures makes sense.

Not really Killian, the Protestant and Catholic community who wish to remain in the Union….even if it was 1m….how would you include them in a “United” Ireland….Sinn Fein style

Why would we ‘include’ ye at all and why do it sinn grin style? We could take the British model and we can marginalize the unionist community, remove your rights then park the Irish army at your front doors then bully and harass ye until ye are forced to go elsewhere.*britsh style

Not 1.5 million Unionists toorkeel – it’s roughly half that figure. Even with a slim majority, we could buy their votes tomorrow if we wanted to.

In that case Michael Collins was a “terrorist”. Your comment reveals your state of mind. Are you a Unionist by any chance?

“There is a difference between patriotism and terrorism”

Also, your comments should display your real name. Start typing.

Mark, are you formerly known as “Tim Jackson” by any chance….?

No toorkeel. Now take a hike before you give yourself another nose-bleed.

I thought Tim jackson too.

Is Olive Yew and toorkeel the same person?

What about Jane PLain also?

It crossed my mind – unless Tim was Mark… But what was can no longer be, and what is, could have been. Spooky tangent…

Third verse of the Soldiers Song
Our camp fires now are burning low
see in the east the silvery glow
Out yonder wait the Saxon foe
We’ll chant the Soldiers Song
Not any time soon I think.

And you @Mark Dalt who seems to be patriotic, can you please tell me why both patriotism & terrorism are interlinked, similar even?
My policy is similar to yours, it’s just I condemn terrorism, however my patriotism lies with the likes of Robert Emmett, Theobald Wolfe Tone, Henry Joy, Up to as far as our leaders of 1916.
I know a lot about each and every being is because my ‘patriotism’

…. And I am a proud Irishman with a staunch amount of patriotism, and I do hope that we will see a free Ireland as I said in my time.
I just don’t think bombings/shootings are the way forward.

As for my name, that my son is in actual fact none of your business, but seeing that I am hiding behind a magpie, my name is David Russell from the rebel county.
There, I said it!

Now now Mark (Tim)…are you threatening me violence by offering violence….ah yes the camouflage, sunglasses and baseball bats…as a well known Provo once said….they haven’t give away you know….

Should read *offering me a nose bleed*

Scotland and NI are two completely different kettles of fish Pat. Of course Scotland will vote for independence. NI has people who consider themselves English and those who consider themselves Irish. It is not clear cut in NI like Scotland. The Scottish are Scottish, end of. It isn’t comparable.

Your argument is ‘Scottish are Scottish’?

Dare I reply to an argument as flippant as this? Na, I save my breath and wait for your next moment of wonderful insight…

LOL. You are a delight !! And you miss my point but that is not a surprise pet.

@ Pat: I’m genuinely interested to know why you think that? Do you think it’ll lead to a revival in demands for a referendum in the North and the Republic?

Based on the population demographics a referendum would be likelier to happen and to pass around 2021 (when Catholics overtake Protestants to become the majority religion in the North) and SF might overtake the DUP. However even so there may well be economic arguments for Catholics to vote against a united Ireland, given the significant subsidy the North gets from Westminster.

I agree though the Scottish referendum will have an impact in shaping the future debate one way or the other.

‘Scottish are Scottish’ is a point? Sorry, but that is actually a statement(and so is the rest of your comment before you get into that). A point has reference and reason, rather than speculation.

I am no longer going to reply to your comment, keep in mind this is not out fear of your overpowering logic and vast intellect (I could play you as a fool all day), but I have a life to get back to.

Regard,
No longer gives a sh*t

@ Ryan: Nice to see a legitimate comment. I nor anybody else can predict the future of the North. However, I think that if Scotland gains independence, it will allow republican politicians to reopen and re-evaluate being a part of the United Kingdom,allowing a fresh debate on the Norths identity to be explored.

I have no bias either way, I do however see the referendum in Scotland to be a key turning point if this WAS ever to happen.

The people in the North are not stupid. Ireland is in a mess and only a fool would want to join the country as it is. Scotland is different. Even if it brought a new referendum to NI they would not want to be part of the mess in the Rep.

@ Elizabeth: That is a fair point, but honestly who knows where Ireland could be in 20 years?

My point is that they are two different things sweetie. You’re so very aggressive. Calm down. Breathe :) Elizabeth has taken the words right out of my mouth. Nobody in their right mind would want to be part of Ireland given its current state. Have a good Saturday !!

That is exactly what I said in the comment where you told me to stop bitching. Bless ya.

@ Olive Yew, what makes you so sure that Scotland will vote for independence? Do you have any evidence to back that statement up? The reason I ask is because recent polls have suggested that the country will vote to stay in the UK. A long way to go but it is damn complex with an independent Scotland still retaining the british Pound, allocation of resources etc.

As for Enda’s comments, maybe a bit misplaced and untimely but it is a possibility that there could be One Ireland in the very distant future but I dont see how this exactly would help convince American businesses to invest in the Republic unless he was speaking to Americans of Irish heritage who support this idea. Anyway, at this time, it is the least of the problems/issues facing the country. Perharps he could have used that opportunity to convince Irish Americans to make more trips to Ireland to help the tourism sector, maybe even enunciate the fact that Ireland is gradually decoupling itself from the PIIGS- stigma of debt ridden nations in the EU especially with falling bond yields. I am not saying that the country has turned the corner, but on a trip where the head of government is trying to woo prospective investors, divisive issues like N.Ireland should not have arisen at all.

Good man Paul – but it will be up to the people of Ireland North & South to make that decision – certainly, that is what is legislated for in the Good Friday Agreement. It can’t be a unilateral decision by one or the other. Roll on the day when mutually agreed unification is agreed by a majority north and south and becomes a reality. And as John Hume never tired of saying ‘agreement threatens nobody’. Except of course the naysayers/bigots on either side of the argument who will either;- never agree despite a majority vote for it, or who will want it entirely on their own terms; the crooks who make their money by exploiting the border e.g. smugglers and social welfare cheats and, of course, as opined by a number of now retired former RUC officers – the securocrats within the ‘British Establishment’ who have used the north of Ireland as their training ground for other conflict areas around the world. Again a mutually agreed unified state properly planned and supported would threaten no one.

Two thirds of a province. ;)

Absolutely but Enda Kenny shouldn’t be credited for it

Looking at the demographics most Catholics in the North want to stay on the UK. Fact!

Im guessing result would be as Paul McCartnet sang “give Ireland back to the Irish”

Let it be, would be the song by Paul!

Lowest voter turn out in British electoral history I’d be guessing.

We can print our new currency. Who need the shit Euro anyway. The Irish Pound bought $1.60 – $2.20 prior to joining the Euro.

The Irish Punt Mark.

Toorkeel was previously exposed as a UNIONIST.

You realize this is an Irish website run in Ireland?

I couldn’t care less if Toorkeel’s a Martian, he comes across much better than you. The unity of Ireland would have been sorted long ago if not for attitudes like yours, on both sides. Determined to divide communities.

I’m not “dividing”. I’m saying that Britain has no right to annex our land in the six counties.

Instead of addressing anything Toorkeel said, you dismiss him by saying things like “exposed as a unionist” like that’s akin to being nazi.
Sounds pretty divisive to me.
And before you accuse me of being a unionist, I would wholeheartedly love a united Ireland.

Mark (Tim)….Beware of the voices…Am I not allowed use “Irish” websites now….you truly are an ass. For your information….Punt is Irish for Pound…I thought as the absolute Irishman you would have known that….

You only speak for 54% of the six counties. The remainder want to join a sovereign united Ireland.

There is no such thing as a sovereign Ireland anymore. Enda and his predecessors sold that to the Banksters some years back. I think we need to start getting our independence back from EU first before ever thinking of a united Ireland.

its 26 my friend last time i checked

Michael Collins gave you the dignity of Statehood while your crowd carried out years of genocide, bank robberies, shared profits on heroin distribution and the murder of those who publicly opposed you.
Your contribution to Irish History has brought International shame and embarrassment to the concept of being Irish and it would be preferable for you to accept your defeat and slide back into the slime from where you came.

I’ll donate a can of WD40 to seal the deal

WD-40 will soon be made in IRELAND. Cheaper Oil is another benefit of reunification.

The problem is he promised to change how the game would be played but we now know he was lying through his teeth. The truth is indeed the truth!

Call It What You Will!

He knew the hand he was being dealt or he should have if he did his job in opposition and kept his eye on the ball.No he had his eye on power at any price,Making promises he knew he could not keep.

Fine Gael Politicians are chicken feed to these guys who have a totally different agenda in mind.
The ordinary people from whatever walk of life are nothing more than pawns in this game of Right-Wing dominance, for me it’s sad to see but as I am at the wrong end of the scale I won’t see the end result, which thankfully I am glad of, but I shudder to think exactly just what my grandchildren are going to experience in the fullness of time.

BONDHOLDERS CONTINUE TO BE PAID BY ENDA KENNY.

Yes your right, our future is like a dodgy game of cards for kenny and co.

He and Obama have so much in common .. No wonder they are good friends

Kenny is anti-Irish. His Justice Minister Alan Shatter recently called Derry “Londonderry”.

Tomato/Tomato….Derry/Londonderry…

That’s because it’s called Londonderry

Not Londonderry. It’s DERRY.

The Irish State officially classifies it as Derry.

Beware of Unionist trolls on this website.

Plenty of Eirigi/Provo frills in this site. The city can be called either Derry/Londonderry….

should read *trolls on this site*

I’m sorry, I’m not one for trolling stories but this is what the entire world would love to see but ignoring others beliefs in how the country should be run is the whole point of the troubles. Your statement is kind of a “blinkers” attitude to the whole situation.

fine gael = tax breaks = boom-bust economy.

#Olive- feel free to move to the UK. You know, since you hate the Republic so much. There are plenty of flights. Not Ulster, that’s not far enough away. The UK.

I hope you aren’t another Unionist passing yourself off as someone living down here.

Ireland can offer same if we tax the rich like any other country. This country offered mafia style tax breaks to the top 1% despite a worsening deficit. And if Enda was any good, we would have burned the Bondholders of Anglo Irish Bank by now.

Mark totally with you there. Don’t think that is disputed. Fact remains it wont happen.

“If Enda was any good”

Well he isn’t and the bond holders are with him all the way. As it stands, now, NI is better off under UK rule. The republic is a joke and do not think I say that without a sore heart !! I love my country, would love to see it united, but I am not so thick headed I cannot see the mess we are in and the fact that it is not going to get any better. It is cheaper up North to live. End of story.

What’s your take on the obese former h

@ Mark ( Tim Jackson) What is your take on the obese former hunger striker and the situation of the residents of Priory Hall as a result of his criminal negligence?

TOORKEEL IS A UNIONIST – CHECK OUT HIS PREVIOUS POSTS AND AVATARS.

@ Olive Yew

Can you explain why so many people in the six counties are now switching to Irish Power utility companies to avail of cheaper electricity? Why is there so little shoppers going up to the six counties now? Why has the British Pound collapsed since 2008?

Oh that’s right – UK deficit is now worse than Greece.

Mark, I couldn’t care less if anyone on this site is a unionist or not. I do care that you seem to be a little fixated on this issue as its becoming boring and you actually make the people you are calling trolls seem very level head compared to yourself.

Dodging away from the question Mark (Tim)? What’s your honest thoughts?

@Mark I’m not particularly fond of southern unionists myself as they feel this country is inferior and incapable of doing anything on her own…but toorkeel has every right to be unionist. It’s his own decision.

Enda Kenny for Ex-Taoiseach 2012.

No, no, Mark. You’re going to get to see An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny giving the oration outside the GPO on the 100th Anniversary of 1916. The leader of the party that established this country marking its 100th anniversary. As it should be. With Gerry Afams watching from the stands.

You already made this comment once, no one wants to see it a second time with you complaining about red thumbs…

Stick to a thread if your going to bitch and moan.

I am just gob smacked there are so many stupid people. It is not a bitch or a moan my darling, and was far more intelligent than what you have just said. NI is better off under UK rule. There I said it again ;)

My comment which said ‘If Scotland vote for independence in 2014, I wouldn’t be surprised if the north had a turn around’ took into consideration current political shifts and trends in the UK.

You just stated a list of why the UK is better than Ireland, which is very easy to do, I on the other hand looked at upcoming events which may cause change in the likelihood of this happening.

I never brought emotion into the discussion either, I just stated facts.

I don’t like stooping to your level, but I’m quite certain my comment is more intelligent than your rant.

Scotland and NI are two different things and are not at all related. There is peace in Scotland or did you not notice? I just pointed out why NI is better off staying under UK rule. And I am right. Take care hon !

@ Olive

If the north is “better off” can you explain why people are struggling to make ends meat ?

It’s amazing that people who think the republic is such a disaster want others to join it. Not the best sales technique.

@pat the people of NI have no desire to join the ROI if scotland votes independence good for them it doesnt effect NI in the slightest. The thing is the people of NI are starting to find an identity of their own and would rather be known as a separate country to the ROI than rejoin them

Ulster is Irish.

in all honesty i highly doubt the province of NI will ever join Ireland again. I live in NI and people from here on both sides except hardknock nationalists want a united Ireland. If anything NI will eventually break away from the UK and become an island of its own. It has no desire to be part of the ROI or Britain

Agreed.

Well judging by the green thumbs you speak for 6 people

12 people actually. Whether or not the majority red thumb my comment or not is irrelevant. Most people in the 26 counties have enough to worry about.

Shame Neil, because it is beautiful, the people are amazing. And like I have said below, it is a helluva lot cheaper than the kip known as the republic.

Who cares, maybe Scotland will reunite with Northern Ireland

@ Neil.. Speak for yourself only.. NOT other people in the south..

Lucille – I’m speaking for myself. As I said, many others have the same view as me. I didn’t say everyone shares my view as evidenced by the number of red thumbs ive got, so no need for u to get all hot and bothered. To quote Simon Harris, TD – chillax

How does Scotland “reunite” with Northern Ireland? Northern Ireland is Irish not Scottish. But the ROI has enough to worry about and NI should not be a priority. Over 80% of NI stated they want to be part of the UK; I think they made it clear what they want. It might change but not in the near future.

@ Kevin

Not true. Looking at that study, it lacked objectivity and independence since it was conducted by a British Government official. You picked the worst reference.

Ok Mark, the people of NI are dying to join the ROI….happy.

Thats the point…under a united Ireland there would greater visits / travel / business north and south = good for business = good for the economy = good for the people

The few times I’ve been to the North, I’ve thought it a better run and cared for area than down south. Rather than the north uniting with the South, maybe it should be the other way round. Unless we cop on down here and stop ruining the place we profess to love

The tourism numbers would suggest otherwise. There’s also a big difference between Belfast and Dublin.

#Donncha- seriously- there are 99c flights to the UK now. Feel free to move over there and take whatever other traitors you find on the road to the airport.

It’s our country. Now stick to your isolationist position.

How is it ‘our’ country? what century have you arrived from?

And people keep voting FINE GAEL!

I won’t be next election….not another red cent, can’t wait to tell the canvassers that, then politely shut my door.

Enda Kenny is the first honest Taoiseach we have had in nearly 20 years. Prefer Cowen? Bertie? Haughey, maybe?

What you quote for the reason not to have unity is at least 15 years old, there are no British army check points in the 6 counties, no IRA, which, least we forget, was made up of men and women from the entire island of Ireland, and no rubble around the falls or shankill, you moron, this is the past, indeed Dublin was like that in the not too distance past itself when the IRA were fighting for freedom, without the IRA hijacking at gunpoint, as you claim, there would not be a free 26 county partition state, for you to spout your nonsense in, least you forget, moron. As for your peaceful cooperative united Ireland, sounds a bit like Tir na nOg or never never land to me!! The 26 counties already has Orange men marching on its streets, and plenty of Unionists within its Dail, where have you been the land of nod?

your one of the people that can never achieve a united Ireland with your attitude & I suggest you have never even seen the rubble let alone walked on it. Sing a few rebel songs & free Ireland & denigrate our flag & walk around with a tricolour tied around your waist. I have met your type of patriot in every Irish pub.

Reunification will happen. Just not under Enda Kenny…

Fianna Fail do. Also many in the Labour Party do too. Your statement is completely untrue.

Fianna Fáil don’t give a damn about the 26 counties, never mind a 32 county republic. They’ve made that abundantly clear over the last 80 years.

Better to have hopes for unity than for division.

Enda trying the populist game.

Fine Gael recently said they are not planning for reunification.

Fine Gael also called the IRA “terrorists”.

They are terrorists Mark.

In fairness – I don’t think it’s going to happen in the next 4 years.
And let’s be honest, if he did say the IRA were terrorists, he’s not a million miles off the truth. They certainly don’t practice in my name.

He’s not an inch from the truth

What are terrorists? Would they be a group who murder innocent men women and children, like on Bloody Sunday?

toorkeel is a unionist. just read his previous posts and look at his previous avatars (a union jack). he also has the intellect of a five year old repressed male.

Unfortunately for you Mark, he speaks a lot of sense.

not in my life time.. who the hell in northen ireland would want to join a run down country were everybody is struggling to pay bills and we dnt trust our leaders of ireland… xmas shoppen in derry is 100 times cheaper then dublin…

yes, because being occupied and starved half to death by our good neighbours is no reason to get upset now is it.

Irish History is not my strongest point…but was it not Michael Collins (Fine Gael ) that signed the north away in the first place….always believed Fine Gael were the “anti” ireland party in ireland..is that not where the term blueshirts come from

#jonathankerr Feel free to move to the UK. There are plenty of flights and ferries.

#The Kop You’re 100% right on one point : History is indeed, not your thing.

Ouch Mark (TIM)….that’s a little harsh…on the repressed 5 year old that is….glad you like my avatars….and if I was a Unionist, which I am not by the way, how would you include the Unionist community in your “United Ireland”?

How can you re-unite something that was never united in the first place?

#Donncha, you too could do with opening a history book of the non pop-up variety before commenting….

‘The kop’ either you’re taking the p*** or you had a very drunk history teacher. Blue shirts getting their name. Pshhhhh.

toorkeel,

For the last time, I’m not “Tim”. Now take a hike insignificant planter.

@killian, maybe you could enlighten us as to when this island was last united, with no inter tribal fighting or occupation? And for how long?

Another Unionist… you are very amusing. I offered you two bananas and all you can do is repeat your rhythmic mantra. We can spot you a mile off…

@Mark Dalt every comment you comment under your opinion is a joke. You dont live in NI and Edna has no bloody clue. Jane Plain is right ROI cant cope with the expenses of NI and NI has no desire to be part of the ROI on both sides. the recent census reports showed that 29% of people from NI would rather be an identity of their own and not part of the ROI. 48% describe themselves as british while 28% said the were Irish. there is more people who would rather be seperate from ROI than join it

Not all politicians are corrupt (except Fine Gael and Fianna Fail)

And Mick Wallace…

…and Sinn Fein…

your wrong if the north joined the south then the irish econemy would sink. the unionists/ loyalists will not tolerate it and there will be just as much violence as before, the good friday agreement will effectively be void and would cause alot of trouble and pretty much only sinn fein, ira and hardcore nationalists that truely want a united ireland. From everything the only way forward for NI is to become independent

I suggest you read your history, again. Where on earth did you get the notion there was never a united Ireland? Is this the usual ludicrous 26 partition-ist revisionism. Had there been no unified Ireland prior to 1920, then the Government of Ireland Act 1920 would have been an unnecessary tool in which to divide the country into two separate territories. Your reference to two countries is again indicative of your partition-ist mind set, cultivated by the likes of Kenny who also refers to two separate countries. Let me explain to you that the state of Northern Ireland is not a Country its a territory of Ireland under British control, simple, on its own it could not even constitute a state, let alone a country. In terms of unity i think you will find that it will be the decision of the entire people of Ireland whether it should become a reality, strange thing that if its a two country island, don’t you think. In terms of benefits I too question that, forget the natural assumptions. As an Irish woman from the six counties, or that other country as you would say, I am not convinced that the 26 counties is at a stage of progressiveness that we are use to in the 6 counties, there would be so much change required in the 26 before I would agree to unity, first Kenny and crew would have to go, the crippling foreign investment incentives would have to change and an alternative economic model implemented which would generate sustainability on a longer term, there would be no reliance on the IMF like a third world country, a withdrawal from the last 3 EU treaties signed, especially the monetary and Lisbon, there would have to be a total separation of the church and state, and not just a piecemeal separation, a massive overhaul of the education system, with particular importance attached to ‘HISTORY’, entrenched, indoctrinated ignorance would be stamped out with or without the consent of the people, a sincere and meaningful attempt at tackling the growing discrimination in Ireland and a ban on the targeting and blaming of the ‘Northern Irish’ the ‘Irish Travellers’ or ‘Dubliners’ on all social ills or problems within the 26 county state, a serious attempt at tackling the growing racism in Ireland, which is targeted at all who do not hail from one of the glorious 26, a removal of Jedward with immediate effect, a ban on Bono’s re-entry to Ireland, or any part thereof, and a ban on all merchandise pertaining to the same, Geldof will be censored on all political issues, however, most other freedoms enjoyed, well he will be prohibited from making music also, we will either speak Gaelic or we wont, no half ass street signs, political titles or other pretentiousness nonsense will be permitted, this may prevent us from being the laughing stock of Europe, or it may not, considering the young from the 26 roam around England with an attitude that quite frankly stinks. Apart from that we are good to go!!!!

sinead in a sense hes right throughout history ulster has had some seperation from the rest of ireland

brENDAn kilKENNY