The idea of a first minister who supports closer ties to the Republic of Ireland — let alone one from Sinn Fein, a party with historic ties to the Irish Republican Army — was once unthinkable. On Saturday, it became reality.
I believe this change more so reflects a desire for Northern Ireland to be more independent from both the UK and the Republic of Ireland, rather than a desire to form a unified Ireland.
The trading border imposed by Britain has made Unionists feel like they are not treated fairly within the UK, yet at the same time unification is not desirable due to fears of the renewal of violence and terrorism.
I believe this change more so reflects a desire for Northern Ireland to be more independent from both the UK and the Republic of Ireland, rather than a desire to form a unified Ireland.
The trading border imposed by Britain has made Unionists feel like they are not treated fairly within the UK, yet at the same time unification is not desirable due to fears of the renewal of violence and terrorism.
Unionism is a fundamentally irrational world view given how Westminster treats NI.