Nationalists may be fobbed off in the short term, but this will lead to demands for clarification from the British government about what conditions will permit a border poll, writes Caoimhín De Barra.
Some think the time is right, economically and politically – particularly after the Brexit vote. Others aren’t sure, saying it would only serve to heighten sectarian tensions.
The ECHR was introduced as a result of a pledge in the Good Friday Agreement to provide “at least an equivalent level of protection of human rights” in the Republic as in Northern Ireland. Ten years on, we have failed to live up to our promises, writes Michael Farrell.
Commentators have portrayed State visits between Ireland and Britain, such as Michael D Higgins’s trip next year, as proof that the issue of British involvement in Irish affairs has been settled. It hasn’t, argues the Sinn Féin President.
Riots in Belfast during the 12th July overshadowed glimmers of hope shown in places like Derry. Either way, Northern Ireland will ultimately sink or swim based on the actions chosen in the months and years ahead, writes David McCann.
The introduction of a bill that would ban people convicted of serious offences from being appointed as a special advisor to a minister in Northern Ireland has raised more serious questions: who are the victims of the Troubles – and have we forgotten them?
The Good Friday Agreement contains a provision for an official Border poll if “sufficient demand” for one exists – so we decided to ask the residents of two electoral districts to have their say on the issue, writes Emma McArdle.
THE COST OF living crisis is not going anywhere and looks set to get worse and worse.
At the launch of the St Vincent De Paul’s pre-Budget submission this week, Liam – a long-time volunteer with the charity – spoke about the sharp end of the crisis when describing his experience meeting with families who live in a hotel.
“When you’re dealing with parents who are in tears and are living in a one or two-bedroom hotel, it’s very difficult as a member of Vincent DePaul to help those families,” he said, adding that he believed there is now an acceptable level of poverty in Ireland.
This morning, we want to know: Have you had to cut items from your weekly shop to make ends meet?