A chara, – Charles McLaughlin fails to see the economic benefits of Irish unity (July 4th).
The £13.5 billion for the so-called subvention to the North, quoted by Mr McLaughlin, is actually closer to €4 billion net (it cannot be quantified exactly because the British government refuses to detail the level of taxes generated by firms operating in the North but which have British headquarters).
Mr McLaughlin might take note of the recent important economic report Modelling Irish Unification published by independent academics from the Canadian University of British Columbia, which estimates that Irish unity could lead to €35.6 billion growth in GDP across the island within eight years of unification. Every other independent analysis that I am aware of confirms that a united Ireland would lead to savings in public expenditure and growth across the economy.
The reality is that a back-to-back development North and South has undermined Irish economic growth; that currency differences on a small island have discouraged economic investment; and that duplication of services on either side of the Border has incurred huge costs.
Clearly, the sensible way forward is for greater all-Ireland integration, creating better growth and employment opportunities and huge savings through the harmonisation of institutions, services and business development.
The RTÉ opinion poll to which Mr McLaughlin refers showed that 66 per cent of people in the 26 Counties were in favour of a united Ireland, and a series of opinion polls taken over many years have consistently shown significant majorities in this State in favour of unity.
Of course, the only poll that really matters is a referendum on the issue. The Belfast Agreement provides for this.
I believe a unity poll would allow citizens North and South participate in an informed, reasoned and respectful dialogue on Irish unity.
The recent Brexit result saw the people of the North vote to remain in the European Union. For the North to be dragged out of the EU, at behest of English voters, would be a travesty of democracy.
This situation clearly strengthens the case for a unity poll sooner rather than later.
MATT CARTHY MEP,
Sinn Féin,
Carrickmacross,
Co Monaghan.