We need to talk about Irish reunification

In your editorial (Nov 10) the importance of the reunification of Germany, in the context of peace and economic development of Europe was highlighted. 

We were told it serves as “stark reminder of the wall that still divides the people of North and South Korea.” I suggest an example with which to contrast the unification of Germany, exists closer to home? One hundred years ago the partition of this island was imminent. As predicted by James Connolly, partition resulted in a “carnival of reaction”. Both states created in the 1920s were narrow in outlook and conservative in nature. Craig’s “Protestant State” for a “Protestant people” and De Valera’s contradictory vision of a “Republic” with a “special position” have long since vanished. Yet we have two health services, two education systems, and even two currencies. Maybe it’s time to start a public discourse about reunification, based on the principles of equality and mutual respect?

Eolan Ryng