Whilst Irish unity is far from inevitable, it’s fair to say that the constitutional question has been very live since the Brexit referendum. A lot of the political discourse after June 2016, however, has unfairly focused on the future of unionism as if it’s only a matter of time before unionists somewhat come to their senses and vote to leave the UK. Shouldn’t this be a time to challenge nationalism? If, in the eyes of certain nationalists, the vision of unity is closer than ever then surely it’s a time for questions, answers and informed debate around what is or should be on offer with a united Ireland and what it would really look like. If the rushed nature of the UK government’s triggering of Article 50 and calamitous Brexit negotiations have taught us anything it’s the importance of doing one’s homework.

If Ireland was to be unified, how will pretty fundamental things like an all-island economy and infrastructure work? How would a unified Irish health service compare to the NHS? How will the rights of unionists in the North be protected? Until a party or parties can seriously challenge Sinn Féin’s capability to organise across the island and its potential to advocate – and put into practice – a realistic vision for a united Ireland, what choice do nationalists, nevermind unionists, have? The last thing we need is a disorientated, disorganised and disaffected ‘Sinn Féin versus the rest’ mentality in the North.

What the SDLP-Fianna Fáil alliance offers is a challenge not just to Sinn Féin’s brand of republicanism but a reassurance that Irish unity should not boil down to a choice between Irishness or Britishness. In this writer’s view, with dual citizenship we already have both and should the political ramifications of Brexit at Westminster threaten the terms of the Good Friday Agreement a considered alternative to Martina Anderson MEP’s empty “stick it where the sun doesn’t shine” rhetoric would be most welcome.

Far from ‘beating the nationalist drum’, the SDLP-FF partnership should be seen as a welcome development within nationalism. Having put in the hard yards alongside leaders of moderate unionism to deliver the Good Friday Agreement, both parties know rightly that Irish unity will not come about without the consent of the people of Northern Ireland, nor should a simple 51%-49% majority in favour be encouraged (another Brexit-inspired lesson). The focus of this alliance is not on identity or sectarian arithmetic but on suggesting practical solutions and improvements around issues that will inevitably matter more to all of us North and South: economic development, education, health, and housing.

The SDLP’s reaching out to any party in the South was always going to draw a certain level of scepticism amongst its party membership. Some are fair in their argument that this could complicate relationships with the party in Irish government, Fine Gael, but even Fine Gael recently set up a Young members’ branch at Queen’s University in Belfast and is competing for followers. What Brexit has done, clearly, is provided an opportunity for all of us on this island to broaden the political debate. In the North in particular, to use a Brexiter’s phrase, it has unshackled us from the traditional sectarian discourse; it is encouraging us to consider world views beyond those managed within Catholic nationalist and Protestant unionist ‘communities’.

Brexit has also taught us the potential and importance of staying and influencing within an organisation and reconciling differences with those whom we may disagree. The aim of the FF-SDLP partnership, first and foremost, is to cooperate on practical matters that will help facilitate a better Ireland and persuade unionists that a unity would be within their interests too. Whilst the partnership poses challenges to some members, at this moment the cause of moving on the conversation within nationalism is much needed. Especially given that Sinn Féin’s newfound enthusiasm for the European Union has coincided with the UK’s exit and constitutional uncertainty, there has to be a more authentic nationalist alternative that is willing to challenge themselves as well as unionists. When Brexit has thrown everything in the air, both need assurance that there isn’t just one united Ireland option possible. To counter the inward-looking and stubbornly ideological the SDLP-Fianna Fáil partnership will look to secure the affordable, practical and agreed.

 

More perspectives published on Northern Slant relating to the SDLP-Fianna Fáil partnership can be found here:

Writing the story of Ireland’s future together – Dominic O’Reilly

The SDLP must change radically to win again – but not like this –  Matthew Carson

What does the SDLP hope to achieve from a tie-up with Fianna Fáil? – Kevin Meagher

Northern Ireland needs the SDLP – Gareth Brown