Iains
Two of those dates predate Brecit
What you choose to ignore is that in the speed of the shift of of opinion that is taking place
At the time of the Troubles 98.9% voted to remain
Since then the position has rocketed to where it is now
Sinn Fein has for the first time called for a referendum, confident that it can win.
The ruling party no longer has an overall majority and will not survive without the co-operation of the other parties.
Let's face it - the idea of a large section of a nation voting for whether it should be ruled by another is a bizarre and grotesque one anyway and always has been
Transfer the same logic to Britain and imagine the six Eastern counties having to vote or take up arms to decide whether is should still belong to Germany (had it once been part of the Hapsburg Empire)
All this is a bloody throwback to the time when a large section of the world was ruled by an Empire on which "the sun never set nor the blood ever dried" - a predatory system of world enslavement that was given the kiss of death when entire generations of young men gave their lives in its defence.
I have never been a nationalist of any sort - English or Irish, but I have come to realise the importance of a people being allowed to create their own future and make their own mistakes.
Ireland was ruled by a long-term attempt to deliberate and systematic destroy its culture, militarily, politically and socially -
The Irish renaissance in the 19th century proved that that failed miserabl soy, when it became necessary, Britain turned to annexation under the treat of war.
That has filled body bags ever since and will continue to do so until "The Irish Question" is finally laid to rest.
We've been over this a hundred times on this forum - I really think we should leave it there and give everybody else a chance
I really am tired of these arguments with Empire Loyalists who salute flag like pets who "roll over and die for the queen" at the commands of their masters
Thank you Al - nice to have a meeting point with someone I have no real argument with
Jim Carroll