Shared rule plus self-rule is a well-known definition of federal thinking. The current public debate on whether we should concentrate on a shared island to reconcile differences before preparing for a united Ireland recalls it. The issue is complicated further by the growing entanglement of political stability and change between Britain and Ireland.

Michéal Martin told the fifth Shared Island Forum he supports unity but believes in the “hard slog of building relationships”. He is certain “rhetoric, slogans, soundbites will achieve nothing and won’t achieve a Border poll”.

He was referring to remarks made by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, who said: “It is responsible for an Irish government to set out what it is would happen, or what it is an Irish government would be prepared to recommend to its citizens if we were going to have a reunification referendum. That is an issue of legitimate concern.” O’Callaghan addressed an SDLP meeting in Belfast, The Future of these Islands”, drawing valuably on their participation in UK politics through the House of Commons.

Political events and processes are increasingly entangled across Britain and Ireland.. That was acknowledged by both Martin and O’Callaghan. It was taken up by Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris in his plan to........

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