Dear Editor, – Perusing your discussion about the recent strategy to discern the financial ramifications of potential reunification (“Calculating the cost of a unified Ireland: Upgrading Northern welfare proves a monetary challenge”, Opinions, 4th of April), it’s challenging to neglect the notion that such methodology, if deemed rational, could be employed by more affluent regions of any nation to discard locales not yielding excess wealth. Why shouldn’t Donegal or Leitrim, or any other district perceived not to be financially sustainable, be passed on to the British or any other interested party? Those residing in the upscale quarters, particularly along the eastern coastline, may anticipate substantial enhancements to their prosperous way of life.
However, isn’t it rather curious that we never hear similar sentiments emerging from London promoting the abandonment of the North? Is English patriotism collectively stronger than ours in Ireland, where the prevailing view appears to hold money as the ultimate value? – Mine Sincerely,
JIM O’SULLIVAN,
Jean-Georges at The Leinster review: The D4 and South Co Dublin crowd already fills this chic new eatery.
Evil Does Not Exist review: Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi opts for the paths off the beaten track, with lowered noise.
Rathedmond,
Sligo.
Dear Editor, – In light of the report that suggests “Irish unity could result in an annual expenditure of €20 billion for two decades” (News, 4th of April), if one must enquire about the cost, it’s likely beyond affordable. – Kind Regards,
PAUL DELANEY,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
Dear Editor, – The report released by The Institute of International and European Affairs, which ominously predicts daunting tax hikes following unification, is fearmongering masked as political science. Moreover, the claim of us bearing the sole financial burden only serves to weaken any future Irish government’s negotiation leverage.
Oppositely, the destiny of Northern Ireland is a joint concern for the UK, Ireland and the EU. Respectfully acknowledging unionist community fears, unification necessitates a prolonged, phased introduction. The financial obligation should also be distributed over an agreed transition period.
Clearly, our sizeable fiscal surplus should factor into this equation, as should our increasing reserve funds.
In keeping with the usual trend of accelerating development in initially underdeveloped regions, it can be predicted that Northern Ireland’s economy would thrive at a faster pace, given the stability offered through a permanent settlement and a comprehensive EU membership. This progress may further accelerate if the Windsor framework, granting access to UK markets, can be maintained. This underscores the visionary proposal of Labour’s Ivana Bacik to establish a dedicated government department to facilitate the evolution towards a ‘Shared Ireland’.
However, a recent article by Mark Hennessy warns of a significant decline in living standards if unification occurs, and serves as a crucial reminder of the realities that need to be openly discussed and clearly comprehended prior to any further political maneuvers. The recent paper by esteemed economists Dr. John FitzGerald and Professor Edgar Morgenroth for the Institute of International and European affairs can’t be dismissed as a mere attempt to dull the hopes of those hastening towards unity. The potential costs of increased security, should there be a hostile response from the unionist community who largely oppose unity, must also be considered.
These uncertainties highlight the need for considerable thought on this complex process. Further thought ought to be given to the yearly expenditure it would take to incorporate the six counties into a united Ireland, a figure currently set at €20 billion. The cost of incorporating just a couple of counties is, as of yet, unaccounted for. Additionally, the question arises of what costs counties such as Tipperary or Carlow, or even the so-called Border, Midland and Western (BMW) counties are imposing on Dublin.
In terms of impartiality, it would be beneficial for Dublin to conduct a cost-effectiveness examination across all counties before determining which ones to preserve. Kind regards,
REAMONN O’LUAN,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.
Dear Friend, – Irrespective of the intense discussions prior or after a unification referendum, it seems far-fetched to claim that Ireland is poised for unification. Regards,
DERMOT O’ROURKE,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.