In Northern Ireland, a ‘shift in enthusiasm’ for Irish unity

Nearly 100 years after partition, prickly issues around Brexit and demographic changes have seen support grow for reunification.

Those marking Northern Ireland’s centenary this summer may find themselves pausing to wonder how many anniversaries it has left. Driven by demographic shifts and accelerated by Brexit, Irish unity is no longer confined to just wishful nationalists, but now recognised as a serious and pressing issue for governments in Belfast, Dublin and London. “We’re looking at it within years, not decades,” said John O’Dowd, a politician in the Northern Irish Assembly for Sinn Féin, which supports reunification.