14/09/2026
Once again the topic of Irish Unity has made headlines as the leaders of constitutional nationalism in Ireland have met in Wales to sign a joint declaration calling on the British Government to ‘’prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change’’. In an interesting side note; they did not meet as government officials, but as the leaders of their own respective political parties.
Despite the attention grabbing headline; this agreement is based upon a shared promise to work together on economic growth and a shared feeling that Ireland, Scotland and Wales should be independent. Yet once again this initiative can already be thrown on the heap as another one way conversation held in an echo chamber.
Again we reiterate the reality; that Sinn Fein has signed up to the Good Friday Agreement and the Triple Lock Mechanism. This visit held amongst like minded individuals does not alter one letter of the Good Friday Agreement. Nowhere during this visit did Sinn Fein indicate it was approaching a red line in its support of the Good Friday Agreement.
As expected; those entirely in control of any Border Poll; the British Government; seemed to do what they have been doing for over twenty years, ignore Sinn Fein. As expected; the British Government did not send a representative to this meeting. As far as the British Government are concerned; and just as Sinn Fein have agreed; they decide when a Border Poll is called. They also decide how any such vote is worded, and by extension what the potential outcome could look like. They also then need to ratify any result from any Border Poll. Every aspect of the Border Poll as a mechanism for Irish Unity is entirely in the palm of the British government.
Right now the British Government remains committed to ignoring media stunts and jaunts across Ireland, Wales, Scotland or England. The wider messaging behind this effort would have you believe that constitutional nationalism in Ireland had a card to play - it does not.
There is no denying that Independence for Scotland or for Wales; would massivily buckle Britain as an international power and essentially spell its end. Yet in the case of Scotland the British government has previously explained they consider the issue to be a non-starter for at least another generation. While in Wales, constitutional nationalists do not have the power to call a referendum; rather they have the power to conduct a poll on Welsh people's views on the functions of Welsh Ministers. It seems that much like is the case in Ireland; the British Government can safely and securely checkmate any real efforts towards Independence in Scotland & Wales.
SNP Leader John Swinney cited opinion polls reflecting that the majority of people in Scotland supported Scottish Independence. Likewise in Ireland we see these polls waved about as much as flags; often citing a clear majority in favor of the union, and often reflecting a majority supporting independence. While explaining to the house of commons that any such change in Scotland depends on there being a clear consensus, Swinney later received a letter stating a referendum was ‘’off limits’’ from Burnham.
With a great sense of irony, Swinney responded; calling for a clear approach or mechanism towards enabling a Scottish referendum citing the Good Friday Agreement as an example. Yet; when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement, Britain refuses to even provide clear criteria to trigger a Border poll!
Therefore we can only accept this meeting as a fist waving exercise at the British Government who will continue in the safe knowledge that they have constitutionally secured any effort that may be surrmounted to dismantle Britain as a political entity.
We in R.N.U once again voice our belief that Irish Unity can only be advanced by a united republican movement capable of uniting the communities, counties and our country against the current status quo and letting the British Government know we refuse to accept the continued denial of our country's right to Independence.
While we recognise and will engage with any positive initiative and debate surrounding Irish Unity; we are equally committed to ensuring that the reality of the political challenge in front of us is not misrepresented or eschewed to suit a selfish political status quo. R.N.U have asked; and will continue to ask, the real questions that we need to address as a nation.
We also reject any notion that a six county vote under the complete remit of the British government can relegate the Freedom and Independence of Ireland to a 'choice'. Ireland has an inherent and inalienable right to Independence.
