Peter Robinson has delivered a ‘wake-up call’ for unionism
‘He understands demography . . . He understands Northern Ireland can be saved’
Former first minister Peter Robinson addressing the MacGill Summer School. Photopgraph: North West Nespix
Peter Robinson’s comments about a united Ireland at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties on Friday annoyed and upset different strands of unionism, although more detached observers are sure he is attempting to kickstart a necessary debate.
But as was clear on Monday, the reaction to Robinson’s remarks demonstrated that many unionists don’t want a debate because they fear it just sparks nationalist ambitions and disheartens those who work to maintain Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom.