One of the problems with the Six Counties is that sectarianism and hatred is kept alive and flourishing because it suits certain people. Does anyone for one moment believe that the only reason that the border hasn't disappeared is the "fear of being ruled by Rome?" Remember the rallying cry of the anti-homerulers - "Home Rule is Rome Rule." One of the main reasons in my opinion is the fear that in a united Ireland, many of the politicians who are big fish in a little pond would find themeselves small fish in a large pond. They thus play on the fears of the Protestant people that they would have to swear alegiance to Rome or some such bollocks. Ireland has changed a lot since I first left in the 1950s and is more of a secular state now than probably the North. Having said that it doesn't help much when masked gangs shoot into the air at bonfires and riot as apparently happened at several venues last night.