Sir, – I read with interest the excellent piece by Gerry Moriarty (Home News, March 29th) in relation to unionist opinion of "Brexit or the union". I have no doubt that almost all unionists value their union with Britain more than their union with Europe.
But, with all due respect, their view seems diverted and obscured by the peculiarities of Northern politics. There is the eternal assumption that any move made by Dublin is always in the direction of a united Ireland. They forget that, whilst the union unites unionists, the need for a healthy economy unites our island already.
They interpret the Government’s strong stance on the Border question as being “overly green”. Well it is, but the focus is on money first: not the national question.
The resolute position taken by Dublin is about protecting our agriculture, food and services industries. It is about preserving our much-envied position as a gateway to Europe. These economic considerations are going to be defended to the hilt and, as they depend much upon cross-Border business, the Border question has been designated, de facto, non-negotiable by the Irish\EU side.
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The DUP draws attention to Dublin’s stance at every occasion, making claims that a united Ireland is being introduced by the back door. It is a perfect diversion. It draws attention away from the fact that they have backed a policy that will almost certainly decimate their own agricultural sector and severely damage the rest of their economy. Should the Brexit negotiations founder, with the devastating economic results predicted, it will allow them to play to their own constituency once more, and blame the Dublin government. If the negotiations go well, they are sure to find a way to appropriate some kudos.
The DUP strategy delivers a political win regardless of the harsh economic realities that will unfold and, barring a collapse of the Westminster government, it is difficult to see how this situation will not continue to strengthen their political position at home. – Yours, etc,
DANNY RAFFERTY,
Raheny, Dublin 5.