Sean Bresnahan on the problems posed by the Brexit situation for the republican project. The article featured in An Claidheamh Soluis today. 



While the notion that a ‘United Ireland’ is closing in today carries increased merit, for Republicans it is essential not to present such a development as ‘job done’ or ‘op completed’. Instead we must work ever harder to ensure Republican objectives are arrived at should Irish Unity ensue.

In this respect, for Republicans and any campaign we might set towards, it is incumbent that any future United Ireland translates into full freedom and sovereignty under a 32-county republic.

As Brexit ruptures the constitutional fabric of the ‘dis-United Kingdom’, it is imperative that the Irish Republic be the basis of any future United Ireland to emerge — and that it be likewise the political framework on which agreement towards Irish Unity is premised.

The realising of this key fundamental remains the task before us. But it will not be found in outcomes being shaped by an occupation system who, fearing that its writ stands imperilled, is moving to safeguard its interests.

It is there where lies the purpose of the ring-fenced ‘agreed new Ireland’ on offer through a British border poll — a ‘United Ireland-lite’ as notable for its refusal to countenance the Republic as much as for anything else.

It can only be found under the banner of the Republic and, as Brexit and demographic change in the North speed new political realities, towards that Republic — and to nowhere else — the Republican effort must focus.

While Connolly’s adage that ‘England’s difficulty is Ireland’s opportunity’ again makes its way to the fore, in these times of seismic import, Republicans must hold the line if our long-cherished object — the Irish Republic — is at last to be our proud nation’s destiny.


Sean Bresnahan, Chair, Thomas Ashe Society Omagh blogs at An Claidheamh Soluis


Follow Sean Bresnahan on Twitter @bres79


On The Irish Republic — Not A ‘United Ireland-Lite’ — The Republican Effort Must Focus

Sean Bresnahan on the problems posed by the Brexit situation for the republican project. The article featured in An Claidheamh Soluis today. 



While the notion that a ‘United Ireland’ is closing in today carries increased merit, for Republicans it is essential not to present such a development as ‘job done’ or ‘op completed’. Instead we must work ever harder to ensure Republican objectives are arrived at should Irish Unity ensue.

In this respect, for Republicans and any campaign we might set towards, it is incumbent that any future United Ireland translates into full freedom and sovereignty under a 32-county republic.

As Brexit ruptures the constitutional fabric of the ‘dis-United Kingdom’, it is imperative that the Irish Republic be the basis of any future United Ireland to emerge — and that it be likewise the political framework on which agreement towards Irish Unity is premised.

The realising of this key fundamental remains the task before us. But it will not be found in outcomes being shaped by an occupation system who, fearing that its writ stands imperilled, is moving to safeguard its interests.

It is there where lies the purpose of the ring-fenced ‘agreed new Ireland’ on offer through a British border poll — a ‘United Ireland-lite’ as notable for its refusal to countenance the Republic as much as for anything else.

It can only be found under the banner of the Republic and, as Brexit and demographic change in the North speed new political realities, towards that Republic — and to nowhere else — the Republican effort must focus.

While Connolly’s adage that ‘England’s difficulty is Ireland’s opportunity’ again makes its way to the fore, in these times of seismic import, Republicans must hold the line if our long-cherished object — the Irish Republic — is at last to be our proud nation’s destiny.


Sean Bresnahan, Chair, Thomas Ashe Society Omagh blogs at An Claidheamh Soluis


Follow Sean Bresnahan on Twitter @bres79


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