Thursday, September 15, 2005
Thursday Thoughts: Federal Republic?
Staying with the theme of speaking rights in the Dail for northern politicians, what if the Government went a step further and set up an administration for the three Ulster counties of the Republic - Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan?It is my belief that if and when a United Ireland comes about, it will need to work on a federal basis. I don't know if devolved administrations for the four provinces would be practical but one thing is certain, Ulster will need its own parliament and will not tolerate Dublin rule.
I personally support the idea of a federal United Ireland. Rather than simply having a United Ireland which contains power for the 6 counties of NI which is, if I'm not mistaken, a plan the SDLP mooted, why not acknowledge the Ulster identity by giving the province significant powers? I think this would lessen the fears that some unionists would have relating to a United Ireland.
I think it would be worthwhile for the Republic to pave the way for Irish unity by establishing a small 3 county administration based on the Republic's Ulster counties which would be given the task of engaging in cross-border co-operation.
If unionists could see the influence that Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan enjoy outside of Dublin's influence, it could lead them to contemplate ending their division of our island. It could be called the Ulster Council of Ireland or something along those lines and co-operation from those within the 6 counties would be sought.
Let us not forget that Ireland was not the only region divided by the border in 1921. Ulster was too.
Let's unite both.
# posted by United Irelander @ 6:05 PM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
