Reverend Kyle Paisley:

The prospect of the emerald isle becoming a single political entity is not so easily talked down as it used to be. The chief cause is uncertainty over Brexit and the trade border that now exists between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. What do most Ulster unionists think about the idea of a united Ireland? It involves serious practicalities. The economists, Professors John FitzGerald and Edgar Mogenroth, admit there are very few studies of relevance to the issues of the economics of a united Ireland. Dr. Eoin Drea, senior researcher at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, has stated that a united Ireland would be an economic, political and social disaster for the Republic of Ireland. Of course, what is a disaster for one part of the island is a disaster for the whole island. Could a united Ireland give an economic commitment to Northern Ireland comparable at least to the block grant from the British Government, which currently stands at €15 billion per annum?

Economics matter, but I think identity matters more. A man is not what he possesses. It is his belonging to something that counts. As the good book says, "Ní a niomarcuigh an tsaídhbhris atá ag duine air bith, atá a bheatha."

Michelle O'Neill has stated that constitutional change can be achieved without sacrificing identity or citizenship but in point of fact, constitutional change brings about a new identity and a new citizenship. One could be British and unionist in a new Ireland, but in name only. Furthermore, if political ties with the rest of the UK are cut, it is to be feared that it might be an irreversible severance. At present, there is no assurance that unionists would be able to campaign for a restoration of the union.

Nationalists speak about winning hearts and changing minds. My heart is fixed and cannot be won but all things considered, winning over moderate unionists to the idea of a new Ireland is a Herculean task. Political unionism may win the hearts and minds of moderate nationalists by building up local democracy and redoubling its efforts to sell the union - another Herculean task. I hope Britain will undo the damage caused to Northern Ireland and relationships within these islands by its disastrous Brexit policy.