Introduction UK politics has been for many years split on a Left/Right – Labour/Tory axis, but over Brexit this is breaking down. Prof. Richard Murphy gives a succinct definition that difference between Left and Right is how widely ‘us’ is defined. Left wing people cast the definition of ‘us’ very widely; ideally incorporating the whole… Read more
Category:
Ireland
Covering Ireland both North and South
Less safe after any Brexit…
It is sobering to hear the Commissioner of the Met Police, Cressida Dick, state that Britain is likely to be less safe after any Brexit at all – and in any case it is likely to be financially costly. This is to most, I suggest, unsurprising. What might encourage Conservative remainers to ensure there is… Read more
Scotland and Ireland the Road to Independence (part III)
Introduction In part I the common heritage of the Scots and Irish was explored. Part II explored the comparative performance of the two economies over the past few hundred years. In part III the current situation is examined. Has independence been a success for Ireland? Should Scotland look at Ireland with envy or pity? Ireland… Read more
Scotland and Ireland the Road to Independence (part II)
Introduction As discussed in Part I, Scotland and Ireland are very similar countries with a largely shared people: the Scots. Ireland is now independent apart from the NE corner. Many in Scotland hope to follow Ireland’s example. Are there lessons that might be learned from Ireland? The countries have had contrasting fortunes over the past… Read more
Scotland and Ireland the Road to Independence (part 1)
Introduction Should Scotland follow Ireland in becoming an independent country? The answer may lie in comparing the history and economy of our two countries and the prospects for the future. There seem to be a lack of knowledge in the UK in general and Scotland in particular regarding Ireland. Part I will concentrate on where… Read more
The Withdrawal Agreement and Westminster
Introduction Now that we have a stabilised draft Withdrawal Agreement (WA), agreed by the EU 27 and the UK, there is effectively zero probability of altering the text significantly. It must be remembered of course that whilst the WA is just the terms of the divorce settlement, it is nonetheless a legally binding treaty. The … Read more
Liberté de Mouvement, la Paix en Irlande et la Dinde de Noël
“Freedom of Movement, Peace in Ireland and Christmas Turkey” Liberté de Mouvement -Freedom of Movement The summer of ’76 lives on in the English imagination as a gloriously hot summer. For me it was a Continental one, with a DAAD scholarship in Germany from June to mid September and at the end of the summer… Read more
Is No deal Worse for Ireland than the UK?
This question is important in so far as some elements in the Tory party and the DUP are hoping that Ireland and the EU will back down on the backstop at the last minute. The short answer is NO, but there may be some softening around the edges and creative language to make it more… Read more
Brexit Negotiation Outcomes using a Sankey Diagram.
Introduction With negotiations entering the final phase for the withdrawal agreement, there is immense speculation. The actual negotiations are being held in a “tunnel” and seem have been going on forever. I am reminded of a scene from an Ian Banks novel where the players have to play a valid game of Bridge, but are… Read more
Crunch time for Brexit Negotiations
Introduction I am against Brexit for many reasons, but my primary focus has, and always has been, the effect on Northern Ireland and the destabilising effect it will have on the island of Ireland, in terms of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process. I still very much hope Brexit does not happen and… Read more