Brexit: In theory it’s good to talk — and this is a listening class

Informative, inclusive, but vague, at times bordering on bland — that could sum up the first all-island civic dialogue on Brexit.

Yes, many arguments and voices previously unaired may have found a place to speak out — issues around child protection, the environment, and third-level education were all raised, for example. But the problem with Brexit is it is very difficult to come up with solutions to what is at present a theoretical problem.

Communities can prepare, to a certain extent, for an earthquake but until it hits there is often no way of anticipating how powerful the tremors will be.