Sir, – A referendum on Irish unity is likely within a decade. Whatever the result, southern politicians have in the interim an opportunity to avoid repeating the main mistake of the Brexit referendum. The political upheaval was exacerbated by an absence of planning by political rivals. That abdication of responsibility and the chaotic improvisation to which it led has thoroughly poisoned British politics, engendering a sense of betrayal in those who voted Leave, despair in those who chose Remain. London’s political class, having learned nothing, will no doubt approach a border poll with that same reckless apathy. Dublin must provide a better example.
That means our parties – specifically the leadership Coalition – must abandon their increasingly petty rivalry and finally allow detailed official planning to begin. Ireland’s media habitually castigates unionists for refusing to engage with reality; that’s unfair so long as our leadership does likewise. – Yours, etc,
AIDAN HARTE,
Naas,
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