A chara,– Derek MacHugh (April 6th) writes in support of John FitzGerald's article "United Ireland not possible if South has to pick up bill for subsidised Northern economy" (Economics, April 5th).
However, researchers from the Institute for European Studies at the University of British Columbia, led by Dr Kurt Hübner, have asserted that Irish unification could be worth €36.5 billion over eight years ("Researchers say unification of Ireland 'could bring in ¤36.5bn in eight yearsbillions", November 19th).
This would be achieved through tax harmonisation, greater foreign direct investment, reduced trade barriers and currency transaction costs, and the creation of a single government structure.
This study also allowed for Northern Ireland’s fiscal deficit of £9 billion.
It could therefore be argued that unification is a very sensible economic option for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
This is particularly clear if Northern Ireland were removed from the European Union through the referendum across the United Kingdom in June.
The effects of increased trade barriers and border controls on the economy across this small island should the UK leave the European Union would be very damaging.
However, all arguments of this kind are ultimately futile as the majority of the populations, both north and south, are supportive of the Belfast Agreement, and unification appears unlikely to occur in the foreseeable future. – Yours, etc,
CIARÁN McCABE,
Drogheda, Co Louth.