Brexit and the Irish 'Hard Border' Issue: Challenges and Possibilities

The concept of Ireland leaving the European Union (EU) to resolve the 'hard border' issue in the aftermath of Brexit is not a practical solution. This piece explores the complexities and potential alternatives to address the ongoing border issues.

Introduction to the Irish 'Hard Border' Issue

The term 'hard border' refers to the situation where there is a significant level of customs and immigration control between Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom (UK), and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). This issue has remained a contentious point since the Brexit referendum in the UK, as border controls were reintroduced, leading to delays and inconveniences for both businesses and individuals.

Why Leaving the EU Alone Won't Solve the Hard Border Issue

Logically, the solution to the 'hard border' issue would require a common market or customs union between Ireland and the UK. However, the ROI's exit from the EU alone would not achieve this. The ROI being outside the EU means it is not linked to the existing customs and market regulations that could facilitate smoother cross-border trade and flows.

Ireland has a history of volatility regarding its ties with the UK, mainly stemming from the centuries of imperialism and oppression. Historically, Ireland has had a more productive relationship with the EU, especially the EEC. The idea that Ireland would voluntarily join a customs union dominated by the UK, given its past experiences, is highly unlikely. The metaphor of a battered wife not returning to an abusive husband aptly captures the sentiment of the Irish public.

Potential Solutions: Reunification and Self-Determination

A more comprehensive approach to solving the 'hard border' issue may involve reunification, a concept where Northern Ireland becomes part of the ROI. This would mean that people in Northern Ireland would have the choice to either remain British or become Irish. This path is heavily influenced by historical, cultural, and political factors, making it a complex and contentious issue.

The idea of reunification is not new; it has been discussed periodically over the years. However, the likelihood of such a significant political and social change happening in the near future is slim. The UK's decision to leave the EU, driven primarily by England, does not reflect the desires of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. The people of the ROI have no intention of leaving the EU, and Scotland and Ulster, despite their different votes, have shown their preference for remaining in the EU.

Evidence from Recent Polls and Public Sentiment

Recent polls indicate that a majority of the UK does not want to leave the EU, questioning the validity of the Brexit decision. Critics argue that because the Republic of Ireland was not part of the public referendum, it did not contribute to the UK's decision to withdraw from the EU. Therefore, the rationale behind the ROI's potential withdrawal from the EU does not hold much weight.

The 'Border Draw' video, where Britons incorrectly drew the border between Northern Ireland and ROI, gained viral attention. Such a lack of understanding about the EU vote and Brexit does indeed raise questions about the people's knowledge of the issues at hand. It underscores the importance of public education and awareness in addressing such critical matters.

Conclusion

The Irish 'hard border' issue remains unresolved, primarily due to the complexities of the current UK-EU relationship. While leaving the EU alone by the ROI may not resolve the issue, alternative solutions such as reunification and self-determination provide a more comprehensive approach. However, the realities of political history and current public sentiment suggest that these solutions are not likely to be forthcoming in the near future.