Mr. Chris Swain:

I am speaking here in an entirely personal capacity. I come from what would be perceived as a Protestant unionist loyalist, PUL, background. During my lifetime, I have been on a personal and political journey from someone who as a young man in the 1980s attended "Ulster Says No" rallies to someone who in 2022 is happy to participate in this Seanad committee.

Not only do I think constitutional change is inevitable, I think it is coming much faster than many realise. That change is something I very much welcome and embrace. For some time now, I have been holding private casual conversations among friends, family and neighbours within the wider PUL community during which I try to explain why I have a desire to see Irish unity. What I have established from those conversations is that there are some who are truly fearful about that prospect. Some are resigned to this happening while some are indifferent. I find that there is an increasing number of people who are on the same path I tread now. I hope that in some small part, this submission can assist with providing insight into those fears and help advance engagement, discussion and understanding of those who identify as British living within Northern Ireland. That really is my primary motivation for speaking today.

In the written submission provided to the committee, I have outlined my thinking about the following topics. Highlighting the distinction between Britishness and unionism is the most valuable contribution I can make. These identities overlap but they are not one and the same. I hope it will be useful in providing insight as to why I feel it is futile to try to engage unionists publicly in conversations about constitutional change. The sensitivity of language is not always appreciated when engaging those of British identity living in Northern Ireland, the North of Ireland, the North, Ulster, the occupied six counties or Tuaisceart na hÉireann. Language is so important as highlighted by the long list of names in use for one small place.

If there is one recommendation I would make, it is this. Do not wait for a referendum before making changes that can remove barriers to constitutional change. With that, I will close by saying go raibh maith agat. I very much welcome members' feedback, comments and any questions they may have.