Sir, – Irish political unity may be as far away as ever, but other and more important forms of unity have thrived for decades. Today, Irish nationalists in the North have as much freedom as any in Europe and cultural identities are expressed openly, though not always with good nature, by the different traditions. That nationalists endure British rule, and Ireland suffers partition, is not a thing of nothing; nor is it nothing that nationalists North and South are free to express a shared Irish culture while taking part in a united European project to trade and govern across political boundaries with fairness and respect.
Our identity as Europeans, and our shared participation in that political process, helps to unite us.
However, the shift in focus this new identity creates does not appeal to all nationalists.
Political nationalism at its worst tries to centre culture around badges and flags, and vehemently protects its narrow, insular vision.
This type of nationalism has always been a destabilising influence.
Some who advocate a Brexit do so on the basis of this kind of jingoistic politics. A Brexit may have more than just economic implications for Ireland and the North – it would strike at the foundations of an idea that unites us. It would take away the reality of a shared political identity for peoples from different and otherwise opposed traditions. – Yours, etc,
COLIN WALSH,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.