One of the big questions of our time is how a new Ireland can deepen its core values while genuinely accommodating northern unionists.

True integration means we can’t expect northern unionists – or new migrant communities – to simply blend into the existing nationalist framework. If we are serious about building an Ireland of equal belonging, we must be willing to name the prejudice that still exists and answer it with confidence, honesty and courage.

A year ago, I stepped forward to run for the highest office in this land. I did it out of a deep love for this Republic and as an Irish woman committed to uniting this island.

But my campaign exposed an undercurrent of something we can’t ignore. A minority tried to weaponise my identity as a Presbyterian woman raised on a rural Border farm. My family and I were subjected to toxic, targeted sectarian abuse.

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We experienced malicious online smears, videos generating tens of thousands of views. It was implied that my tradition was somehow inherently un-Irish or incompatible with modern civic life.

My family have been in this country for hundreds of years – longer than the United States has existed – yet I was depicted as a lesser Irish person because of my cultural background and religion. My Irishness and commitment to this country were questioned because of my background. Even though we are all Irish citizens and hold Irish passports, I was left with painful questions about whether there is a hierarchy of Irishness.

If someone is not fluent in the Irish language, or comes from a particular faith tradition or........

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