Simple majority not enough for a united Ireland

ON the 10th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, we should take note of one major flaw: the agreement states that a united Ireland will come about if a majority in Northern Ireland vote for it.

Notwithstanding the agreement , I believe that frog-marching one million unionists into a united Ireland on the basis of a simple majority, possibly without the consent of a single unionist, would be disastrous for peace on this island.

The agreement requires the consent of both communities before implementing most matters of any significance. Surely, therefore, in the momentous matter of changing the North’s constitutional status, an overwhelming majority of both communities should be required.

Furthermore, in case things don’t work out, the right to a “velvet divorce” à la the Czech Republic and Slovakia should be agreed.

Dick Keane

35 Silchester Park

Glenageary

Co Dublin