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Noel Brady, 91, of the St Johns Ambulance waiting for his lift home after attending today's 70th anniversary commemoration for the North Strand bombing in 1941. Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

The Daily Fix - Tuesday

In today’s Fix: Irish economy forecast to shrink this year; Aer Lingus pilots threaten industrial action; ‘sexy’ TDs; and the 100th anniversary of the launch of the Titanic.

EVERY EVENING, TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of the day’s main news, as well as the bits and pieces you may have missed.

  • Senator and presidential hopefull David Norris insisted today that comments he made about paedophilia in a 2002 Magill interview – which were circulated again yesterday on RTÉ’s Liveline – were misleading and taken out of context. We’ve been asking if you think the comments could damage his chances of becoming the country’s next president and the majority so far has been ticking ‘They shouldn’t but they will’.
  • The Irish economy is going to shrink by 2.3 per cent this year, according to Ernst & Young. This is the most pessimistic forecast made about the economy so far this year.
  • Aer Lingus pilots have announced their intention to begin industrial action next Tuesday in protest over the introduction of controversial new rosters. The action could cause major disruption to the airline’s schedule.
  • Water meter installation in Irish homes is due to begin early next year, marking the start of a three-year project to install the meters in some one million homes. Water charges are part of the conditions agreed in the IMF and EU bailout deals.
  • Coca-Cola, Adidas, Emirates Airlines and Visa are some of the sponsors expressing concern over allegations of corruption within FIFA. Meanwhile, the FAI is believed to be one of a number of FIFA members considering their position on tomorrow’s presidential election in which incumbent Sepp Blatter is the only candidate. The FA said earlier today it would abstain from the vote if it goes ahead as planned.
  • Suspected war criminal Ratko Mladic has been extradited from Serbia to The Hague after a Serbian court refused his appeal earlier today. His lawyers had submitted the appeal by post in an attempt to delay the proceedings.
  • In his latest column, Nick Leeson – who faced four investigations himself over the Barings Bank debacle - expresses his amazement at the slow pace of the investigation into alleged financial misdealings at Anglo Irish Bank.
  • The annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling event went ahead yesterday in Gloucestershire, England, despite being cancelled by its official organisers. Dozens of people braved wet conditions and a steep plunge to chase cheese down a hill. Video and photo evidence here.
  • Some Good Samaritan news today: Bus Éireann driver Frank contacted TheJournal.ie today to send a big thank you to the staff of the Gallic Kitchen in Abbeyleix which gave him and his passengers free hot drinks while they were stuck in the town for an hour because of a crash on the road.
  • Backtracking on previous denials by the Egyptian military, a senior Egyptian general has admitted that female protesters were subjected to ‘virginity’ tests after being arrested. Amnesty International has published a report accusing the military of beating and strip-searching the women as well as subjecting them to electric shocks.
  • One of the stars of E4′s reality show Made in Chelsea has set up a website where people can rank TDs based on their attractiveness. The site presents users with a pair of photos of the 166 TDs and asks them to pick one of the two as the more attractive, à la Facemash.
  • Today is the 100th anniversary of the launch of the then-superliner the Titanic, which famously sank on its maiden voyage after striking an iceberg, killing hundreds of its passengers and crew. A minute’s silence was held in Belfast today in memory of the victims. The BBC has been exploring why such a disastrous ship is so celebrated.

Karl Grant, 11, in period costume, at the quayside in Belfast, where Titanic was launched 100 years ago today. (Pic: Paul Faith/PA Wire/Press Association Images)

  • China has topped a new poll charting the world’s happiest countries – as compiled by North Korea. The poll, released today by the North Korean state news agency Chosun Central Television, gives China a perfect 100 score. North Korea itself scored 98 out of 100, while the “American Empire” came in last with just 3 points.
  • Novelist and actress Claudia Carroll has denied allegations made by a blogger that she plagiarised parts of Sex and the City and Friends in her recent novel, Personally I Blame My Fairy Godmother.
  • As Paul Scholes bows out of football (playing; he’s going to take up a coaching role at Old Trafford instead), TheScore.ie has been looking back over the best and worst moments of the midfielder’s United career.
  • Animal rescue services in Dublin are being stretched to the limit by the increasing number of abandoned pets, according to the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (Note: this story contains images some may find disturbing.)

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3 Comments
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    Mute David Dineen
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:03 PM

    Easy answer, it would, look complete.

    228
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    Mute Dan Duggan
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    Mar 12th 2021, 7:44 PM

    @David Dineen: Agreed.

    Also,imo, new name for the country, new flag, new anthem, move the parliament to belfast and rotate with Dublin, a new constitution, etc

    But keep Proportional Representation. Thats a red line

    41
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    Mute John Hetherton
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    Mar 12th 2021, 7:52 PM

    @Dan Duggan: No new name, no change in anthem those are red lines

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    Mute Just Some Guy
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    Mar 12th 2021, 7:52 PM

    @Dan Duggan:

    It’s bad enough having that ridiculous Ireland’s call at away Rugby games and other sporting events like Cricket, Hockey. I will definitely vote No to a United Ireland if it meant any changes in our constitution, flag and anthem

    59
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    Mute Vonvonic
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    Mar 12th 2021, 7:58 PM

    @Dan Duggan: Compromise. Make Cork the capital. Keep the anthem.

    45
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    Mute Fachtna Roe
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    Mar 12th 2021, 8:44 PM

    @John Hetherton: The only red lines with which we should concern ourselves, are on the Butcher’s Apron; if they’re gone all else is peace.

    36
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    Mute John Hetherton
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    Mar 12th 2021, 8:56 PM

    @Fachtna Roe: you are entitled to your opinion, we do after all currently live in a democracy. However I won’t be changing my opinion

    7
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    Mute MrHammey12
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    Mar 12th 2021, 9:53 PM

    @Vonvonic: haha what a compromise – ‘The Young Offenders’ sitting in the Dail. Ya all right Boy!

    3
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    Mute Cian
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    Mar 12th 2021, 10:18 PM

    @Dan Duggan: keep the name they already the same name with northern in front of it . New anthem: a nation once again. Flag an orange harp on a green background. Parliament can stay in Dublin and the constitution to be altered.

    25
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    Mute Mary Fitzsimons
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    Mar 13th 2021, 8:24 AM

    @John Hetherton: are they? Not for me, we could go back to a starry plough. And the anthem is a French song. We could find something from OCarolan or write something new.

    3
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    Mute John Mulligan
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    Mar 13th 2021, 8:46 AM

    @David Dineen: after the civil war, maybe.

    1
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    Mute John Mulligan
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    Mar 13th 2021, 8:50 AM

    @Just Some Guy: ‘shovin Connie around the field’ has served us well so far.

    1
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    Mute Gearoid De Nogla
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    Mar 17th 2021, 8:39 AM

    @Just Some Guy: What a patriot.

    1
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    Mute Caoimhín Ó Seanáin
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:17 PM

    The two countries on this island? Gimme a break!

    101
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    Mute Vonvonic
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:41 PM

    @Caoimhín Ó Seanáin: One country.

    91
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    Mute reginald
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:41 PM

    @Caoimhín Ó Seanáin: northern ireland is not a country

    151
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    Mute Vonvonic
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:45 PM

    @reginald: There are people who will take you up on that; but you are right. It is not a country by any real definition.

    49
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    Mute Muiris
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    Mar 12th 2021, 8:39 PM

    @Vonvonic: two countries, Cork is definitely a country

    20
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    Mute Vonvonic
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    Mar 12th 2021, 8:49 PM

    @Muiris: Oh Jesus. I nearly forgot. Two countries.

    7
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    Mute Fachtna Roe
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    Mar 12th 2021, 8:49 PM

    @Muiris: OK, so 3 countries. Of which 1 isn’t a country. Cork is, but we can count backwards from there… ;)

    11
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    Mute John Mc Donagh
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    Mar 12th 2021, 11:27 PM

    @Muiris: Go back to school, sure everybody knows that Ireland ends at the Red Cow!

    7
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    Mute Peter B
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:33 PM

    Down town Aleppo with UN peacekeepers.

    76
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    Mute Vonvonic
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:27 PM

    It would look like a job that is finished.

    68
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    Mute The only INFP in Ireland
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:27 PM

    Well, we in the south wouldn’t be able to travel up north for reasonably priced dental care..

    48
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    Mute Willie Penwright
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    Mar 14th 2021, 7:10 AM

    @The only INFP in Ireland:
    Southerners would get vaccinated. (Latest figures: NI 35.46%; RoI 11.46%).

    2
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    Mute Dylan Byrne
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:06 PM

    Depends on if we do something about the pigs in the big house first :)

    63
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    Mute Vonvonic
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:32 PM

    @Dylan Byrne: Good answer. That’s pretty much what Connolly said over 100 years ago.

    47
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    Mute Ray Hunt
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:45 PM

    They should look at the Spanish model and have four providence’s with their own governments and a small central government.

    43
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    Mute Lad
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    Mar 12th 2021, 7:26 PM

    @Ray Hunt: interesting. Does the budget for each province get distributed equally I wonder?

    15
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    Mute Declan Edward
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    Mar 12th 2021, 7:26 PM

    @Ray Hunt: bring back the Republic of Connaught!

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    Mute Fachtna Roe
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    Mar 12th 2021, 9:03 PM

    @Ray Hunt: Catalonia wants out, and the people of the Basque Country never wanted in. Plus, that’s a monarchy. In the great scheme of things Spain – don’t get me wrong, great bunch o’ lads and all that – might not be an optimal model in all ways. But the federation idea is good. Switzerland may be a better model. It’s been discussed before, and in some unexpected places ( https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/state-papers-uvf-and-ira-held-talks-on-federal-ireland-in-1988-37661381.html )

    23
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    Mute TonyB
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    Mar 13th 2021, 4:41 AM

    Hard to believe the government doesn’t already have a plan for this. They should have been planning it for years and have put in place whatever was needed. If you want NI to join the republic you better make it attractive for them, e.g. make the health system on par with the NHS for a start. No one is going to join if any of their living standards decline.

    It’s a sales job…..make the people of NI want to buy!

    35
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    Mute jkcdub
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    Mar 12th 2021, 7:15 PM

    The answer is simple. I will be the high king of Ireland. I will be a loved but cruel king.

    Now worship and fear me.

    42
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    Mute Fachtna Roe
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    Mar 12th 2021, 9:10 PM

    @jkcdub: No problem. But can we have Wednesdays off as well as weekends? :)

    12
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    Mute Anna Carr
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    Mar 12th 2021, 10:07 PM

    @jkcdub: can I jump the vaccine queue your majesty lol

    7
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    Mute Special_Ed
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:10 PM
    17
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    Mute David Duffy
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:13 PM

    @Special_Ed: it is though. Through your link, and on the app.

    15
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    Mute Special_Ed
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:46 PM

    @David Duffy: Thanks David…. must just have been nuked on the desktop website platform so.

    6
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    Mute Anna Carr
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    Mar 12th 2021, 10:04 PM

    If they even attempted to put a union jack anywhere on the Irish flag, I’m changing my nationality to Papua new Guinean lol. A nation once again and my 4 green fields blooming once again sounds good though

    18
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    Mute Vonvonic
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    Mar 12th 2021, 6:31 PM

    Good answer. That’s pretty much what Connolly said over 100 years ago.

    13
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    Mute Mickety Dee
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    Mar 12th 2021, 7:42 PM

    @Vonvonic: Connolly did love his dental care

    6
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    Mute leartius
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    Mar 12th 2021, 8:35 PM

    The biggest debate will not be about anything logical or financial. Issues such as commonwealth membership and Britain citizenship would be difficult to overcome.
    The one thing that would unite those who want a closer union between north and south is getting the British army off our shores. Its the power behind another type of unionism.
    Would you vote to remove the British army from this Island? Would that future be something we all could share and unite behind?

    13
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    Mute Sean Lucas
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    Mar 12th 2021, 10:30 PM

    I think it’s great in theory. However when people from the north realize how much more they will have to pay in tax I would imagine less will want to join the republic lol

    12
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    Mute Austin Shields
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    Mar 13th 2021, 8:01 AM

    @Sean Lucas: Firstly, Disposable income in Republic is higher, we pay more tax but our wages higher, so that’s more attractive. Secondly, earlier comment re getting the British army to leave…. they actually have already…thirdly, I was born and raised a nationalist in South Armagh, so I think my opinion is worth something in this discussion… I have Protestant friends and a National Anthem is something we should all be proud to sing and has meaning. If we are to have a United/New Ireland, I want my Protestant friends to sing it proudly too, so it would have to be a new anthem.Regardless of what gone before with our differences, people who say don’t change things are making things more difficult…John Hume was and always will be my hero, and that’s how he seen peaceful living together

    31
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    Mute Derek Moran
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    Mar 13th 2021, 8:57 AM

    Take the churches out of the schools and hospitals. Get rid of the two tier health system and have one for everyone. Make the twelfth of July a national holiday. There you go, unionists have nothing to complain about.

    11
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    Mute Fifty Shades of Sé
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    Mar 13th 2021, 12:25 PM

    @Derek Moran: Apart from giving up the NHS for the HSE…Goodbye Free GP Visits, Hello Kafkaesque bureaucracy.

    4
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    Mute Rob Duggan
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    Mar 12th 2021, 9:48 PM

    Good article and topic that needs careful steps..

    9
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    Mute Austin Shields
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    Mar 13th 2021, 8:04 AM

    Firstly, Disposable income in Republic is higher, we pay more tax but our wages higher, so that’s more attractive. Secondly, earlier comment re getting the British army to leave…. they actually have already…thirdly, I was born and raised a nationalist in South Armagh, so I think my opinion is worth something in this discussion… I have Protestant friends and a National Anthem is something we should all be proud to sing and has meaning. If we are to have a United/New Ireland, I want my Protestant friends to sing it proudly too, so it would have to be a new anthem.Regardless of what gone before with our differences, people who say don’t change things are making things more difficult…John Hume was and always will be my hero, and that’s how he seen peaceful living together

    9
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    Mute Willie Penwright
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    Mar 13th 2021, 5:13 PM

    Keep RTE and the Angelus so the real god will know our side won.

    5
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    Mute Declan Lee
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    Mar 13th 2021, 9:50 AM

    Unite the Clans

    4
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    Mute Ronan Murphy
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    Mar 14th 2021, 9:38 AM

    Well we could turn the unionist/loyalist model on its head and ensure inequality for that community. They would understand it’s ‘their turn’. Or we could turn the RoI model on its head and ensure inequality for the neo-liberal catholic political party members. They would understand as well that it’s ‘their turn’. Or we could discount inequality altogether and build a proper socialist republic.

    4
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    Mute Alan Curley
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    Mar 14th 2021, 8:31 PM

    A United ireland would have to include unionists as well as republicans.
    Simply stating that they get in line or else is not going to lead to a united ireland.
    If we want a united Ireland Unionists have to be part of it, especuially if we want a peaceul united Ireland.
    If this is the case, we need to ask what is the cost in a real united Ireland.
    Unionists would be giving up exactly what they wnat and getting what in return?
    Would you still allow the Union Jack to fly over official buildings in the north?
    Would we have a new National Anthem?
    Would we have a new flag (I think the tricolour would be even more apt in a united ireland but would it be accepted?)
    Would we let unionists still have Orange day parades?
    If this is to happen, it will require Sacrifice and Comprimise on BOTH sides. The question is how much comprimise is too much, what is it worth and how much do we want a united Ireland.

    3
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    Mute Ronan Murphy
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    Mar 14th 2021, 9:44 AM

    Also Stormont is not a place to have government buildings.. It is so far removed physically from the public and appears to look down on those below. It’s a horrible place

    3
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    Mute Irene Donegan
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    Mar 13th 2021, 12:16 PM

    Where’s the All Ireland Bill of Rights promised in the GFA?

    3
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    Mute Gerry Ryan
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    Mar 14th 2021, 7:36 AM

    It’s all pie in the sky until the Brits let it be known how much redundancy they’re paying

    1
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