skybluetony176
Well-Known Member
Mmmm.PVA - Im not getting into the whole argument again but I don’t think every remainer (prominent or not) said the NI issue was project fear at all.
The protocol (which I’m not comfortable with as it stands) was only agreed last year so how could they ?! From memory the government believed they could reach a tech/trusted trader type solution for Irish trade, which they obviously couldn’t as the EU wanted physical checks and Johnson agreed to these in the Irish sea (a mistake I think but probably better than aborder between NI and Ireland) Also, people appear to forget the EU was happy to unilaterally activate article 16 of the protocol a few weeks ago when it suited them (obviously so concerned about the border on Ireland/GFA/peace) so let’s not pretend they haven’t tried to use the NI situation for their own purposes
I don’t think the protocol is even operational currently ?! to blame this behaviour solely on it is disingenuous and attempts to justify/condone terrorism. I don’t claim to understand all of the complexities surrounding NI but just from reading some articles there appears to be plenty of other things at play (in addition to the protocol), a funeral attended by 2k during Covid restrictions last year inc SF ministers and where NI Police/PPS took no action at the time or after, a major one. As well as general concerns about police bias. Not to mention unionist areas feeling their get the rough end of the deal/Covid etc. People also appear to forget that NI didn’t have a functioning government for 3+ years so to pretend everything was going along perfectly is crazy.
That’s not to say a sensible solution doesn’t needs to be found regarding the protocol and quickly, unfortunately even if one is found I’ve got a feeling these problems could well remain
The break up of the Union was very much labelled “project fear”. Northern Ireland is well and truly on that path thanks to Brexit.
Boris thought dealing with the border on the island of Ireland was as simple as exiting/entering the congestion zone in London. He actually likened it to crossing from one borough in London to another borough in London. A simple view to a complicated issue from a simple man. The EU was never happy to trigger article 16. It was discussed at low level and never got any further having being quickly dismissed. The Brexit press wet their pants and then a couple of weeks later cheerleaded Boris to do the same.
The tensions were brewing and skirmishes happening long before the funeral and PSNI bias is always going to be unionist simply for the fact that it’s still predominantly Protestant.