Unionists – both Protestant and Catholic – are beginning to openly talk about the concept of a united Ireland like never before in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.
One – Prof. James Dornan (unionist) – says that a back channel exists between unionists and Dublin and talks of some kind are underway.
Note of caution: each time unionists get nervous about the union some well-meaning souls among them break ranks to talk about the prospect of a united Ireland. DUP Chair & Paisley’s close confidante, Dessie Boal, did this spectacularly in 1973 when he publicly advocated a federal Ireland. Even Paisley himself mused about the prospect of a united Ireland in 1975. In the past the clouds of doubt have passed and they retreated back into their traditional mindsets. Time will tell if this anything different.
