In 1998 the Good Friday agreement was signed. It acknowledged the legitimacy of a desire for a United Ireland, provided enough of Northern Ireland voted for it. In 2024, for the first time ever in Northern Ireland, a nationalist party Sinn Féin won the majority of votes in Northern Ireland. So why has there not been a border poll yet for a United Ireland when it is obvious Northern Ireland desires it?

I believe that the UK government only believe in democracy if it is to their favour. The Troubles Legacy Act, hated by all Northern Irish parties, was passed despite even the unionists' complaints. It was only recently removed, but it shows that they do not care about what the MP’s and people in Northern Ireland have to say.  It has been almost two years since the “Anti-Colonialism” and “Anti-Racism” Labour government was voted in. They have not apologised for the atrocities committed by the Black and Tans. And they have not apologised for not doing a border poll. In fact Keir Starmer says a United Ireland is not even on the horizon. I do not need to elaborate on the fact that that is wrong. It appears they only choose to take accountability if they are under pressure to. 

So what purpose is keeping  Ireland in the British empire to the Government exactly? And, to the unionists in Northern Ireland, what benefits do you get from staying in the UK? Is having a 2 year NHS waiting list (1 year for urgent cases though) one of them? Is having to pay astronomical taxes one of them? Is having your vote for an Irish nationalist party ignored one of them? The criteria has been met for a referendum (majority of Northern Irish voting for a United Ireland supporting party) and yet we still haven’t had one? That reeks of corruption.

A United Ireland benefits all of the Northern Irish people, no matter religion or political standing. And to the British Government, we need a referendum for it. Sinn Féin has the most seats in parliament (albeit not taken) so the majority of Northern Irish people agree with their views on a United Ireland. If you don’t call for a vote, then we will know you are cowards. The only reason you would not call for a vote is if you knew you were going to lose. You are breaking your own treaty. And that is cowardly.