Emma DeSouza: Border poll will force all of us to face our biases

A fundamental lack of understanding between people North and South is the greatest barrier to reconciliation of this island

The partitioning of Ireland divided not only the region but the people, with the lived experiences of Irish citizens on either side of the border entirely divergent through no more than an accident of birth. 

A referendum on the constitutional future of this island is coming and it will be both exciting and challenging. We often talk about the border dividing the island, but this debate will centre on a different type of border — one in both hearts and minds.

The partitioning of Ireland divided not only the region but the people, with the lived experiences of Irish citizens on either side of the border entirely divergent through no more than an accident of birth.