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SDLP Don't Get Unionists
The SDLP warned the government today that they could end up repartitioning Ulster if they opted for the 7-council plan when they reduced the number of local government districts in Northern Ireland. This in itself seems like a reasonable statement, with the SDLP stating that it would result in 3 Unionist councils, 3 nationalist councils and Belfast City Council.
All fairly reasonable so far. Then comes this paragraph in the UTV report:
Mr Gallagher said the greatest concern for nationalists was a carve-up of councils would play right into the hands of unionists who prefer to settle for a new form of partition rather than take part in the institutions the people of Ireland have endorsed.
What on earth makes Mr Gallagher think Unionists want re-partition or that such a move would 'play into our hands'? Perhaps I'm being paranoid but personally I feel repartition would only serve as a stepping-stone to a united Ireland as what's left of British Ulster slowly receded towards the Irish Sea.
I'd rather see Northern Ireland work, as a place where regardless of your national and/or cultural affiliation(s), we can all live our lives and get along with those around us. It's quite simple: for Unionists Northern Ireland has to work, and repartition would be a step towards admitting defeat.
Am I wrong in what I say (is it me who doesn't get Unionists?), or is this just evidence of how little we in Northern Ireland understand each other? And is there any way (looking at the potential boundaries) to avoid a sectarian carve up?