The Constitutional Future of the Island of Ireland (Submission Blueprint)
Kevin Raftery - Biggest Achievements
Toy Developer//Published Author/Author of Written Submission on Constitutional Future of the Island of Ireland
Introduction
I am making this submission because as an individual I have always been interested in the welfare of Ireland. Furthermore, being born in England in 1962, I have lived through the conflict (whilst residing mainly in England, attending high school in North Wales and living for a few years in the 26 counties). Although my link to Ireland is because my father heralded from a Catholic family in Ros Common, in contrast, my mother was an English protestant who heralded from Staffordshire.?This has allowed me that special insight into Protestantism and the unionist perspective.?I would be able to attend a public session.
Although I have attained a BA in European Culture and an MA in Media Futures, my area of expertise lies in understanding ordinary people, especially the disadvantaged (being ordinary and disadvantaged myself).?Having lived experience, I worked on the Fulfilling Lives project in Stoke-on-Trent trying to initiate system change in the social sphere (especially for those with addiction issues).?I am a writer by nature and published a book called ‘Insight into Piece’ in 2019. One example which exemplifies the theme of the book can be seen on the link below:
https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/chairing-member-political-sixth-sense-kevin-raftery/
I have also recently (2020) completed a board/computer game called ‘World Dominance (New World Order) which features a British Islands (four independent home nations) version of the game which can be seen under Rules. ?The basic Digital version can be seen via the link below:
https://tabletopia.com/games/world-dominance-2020
I also worked as a writer on the Sentinel Website (local paper) from 2011-14 where I demonstrated understanding of all the political/social questions of the day. Not to mention; I have been a candidate in two local government elections.
To concentrate on Ireland’s constitutional future, firstly, it must be said that there will be no new all-Ireland constitution in the near future unless a ‘Border Poll’ delivers that mandate.?Many people, including myself want to see the Border Poll initiated in 3-5 years.
It is felt that liberal and social conscience affording nationalists, together with the more open-minded moderate unionists would vote overwhelmingly for a 32 County State and then live peacefully and harmoniously in that state if the following principles were in place.?The implementation of the recommendations below could help to enable that peaceful coexistence.???
Constitutional Recommendations
1.?New Flag/Emblem. Proposals are needed for a new flag/emblem that represents a new 32-county state.?The flag seen here is a proposal to be discussed.?It is mix of the blue and the white as seen on the union jack and the green and white as seen on the tricolour. Unionists would never agree to live under the white, orange and green tricolour as seen in 26 counties today.?
2. The Capital of a new Ireland. It would be practical and feasible to propose Donegal as the capital of a new 32-county Irish state.?It can be argued that many in the north of Ireland would not vote or want to live under a Dublin constitution and many in the south would not vote to live under Belfast.?Donegal is a good compromise bearing in mind Donegal is geopolitically located in the north of Ireland, but under partition, classed as being located in the south.
3. The Single Currency. Scotland struggled with the currency question during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. We cannot expect nationalists to adopt the pound or expect unionists to adopt the euro as the main currency in a unified island.?The currency principle needs hard negotiation with give and take on both sides. A new currency, separate from the those described above is an option.
4. Armed Forces. Ireland’s neutrality on the world stage is paramount. However, this does not mean that a new Ireland should not feature a strong and robust army, navy and air force featuring worthwhile, well-paid careers.?The Irish army would and should, participate actively in any future European Regiment (in a non-combatant role).
5. Policing. Most would like to see an all-Ireland police force which is well-funded to enable prompt response times.?The police could also be freed up more to do their jobs if they did not have to manage those suffering from mental health /addiction problems (who have not really committed a crime).??Moreover, a special unit would need to be set up in any new police force which would concentrate solely on investigating white collar crime. One proposal for a new police force is for it to be named: ‘The Guards’. The Garda Síochána are often referred to as the Guards (or Gardes) in the 26 counties, so the English name for the new Irish police force could be deemed appropriate.?There could be seen four regional policing forces in a new Ireland, to enable more localised ‘Province Policing’. Those police departments could be known as the: Ulster Guards, Leinster Guards, Connaught Guards and Munster Guards.?
6. European Union (EU). In the event of A 32-county Irish state, there would need to be a referendum on whether or not that said state wishes to join the European Union (EU). Note: I have deliberately explained what EU stands for here because so many times when perusing political discussion on Irish TV, political representatives (especially nationalists) use abbreviations and jargon which ordinary people do not understand.??
Turning back to the EU; it is insulting to both nationalists and unionists alike to assume that a 32-county state should automatically join the EU. This is undemocratic.?The people (all Ireland) need to decide this question by referenda.?Perhaps a referendum could be double pronged with the people also deciding on how they feel about immigration (there is a growing resentment in many communities regarding the recent migrant influx as seen today in 2022). It can be argued that any new Ireland would have to prioritise those already domiciled, whereas increasing the flow of migrant workers from overseas to engage in low paid work would put a strain on a new 32-county infrastructure and drive wages down. Unionists, it is felt, would also favour the curtailing of immigration approach which could help persuade them to opt into a 32-county Ireland.
It is also thought that to consult the people regarding EU/immigration issues would render the unionists more comfortable and secure in that they have been considered. Besides, we don’t know how the subjects of the 26 counties feel about the EU considering it was foisted upon them.
Regarding the constitutional future of Ireland and trade; and if the people of Ireland voted to join the EU via referendum, the geopolitics regarding these islands should still be looked at in the context of four independent countries of England, Ireland Scotland and Wales living under a ‘British Islands’ umbrella (considering that independence for the four home nations is an inevitable consequence). ?However, regarding trade only, and if one of our four independent home nations (like Ireland) should vote to join the EU and the other three didn’t (for example), trading agreements between Ireland the other three home countries has to trump the EU controlling our borders, and/or, imposing austerity (this could be written in any new Irish constitution).
To use the ‘British Islands’ umbrella terminology would dispel unionist fears that they have been cut off from the mainland.?Besides, those who have Irish ancestry and are resident in England, Scotland and Wales would feel they have not been estranged from Ireland (culturally and genetically speaking, we are a British Island mix). ?To expand more on the British Islands umbrella, if all four independent nations should agree on something (like joining the United Nations) the four home nations could join and be termed on the United Nations stage as the ‘British Islands’.?
Many feel that the EU cannot be trusted, as seen when they recently enforced the Irish border over vaccines, ignored the will of the Irish people with regard to the Lisbon Treaty referendum, and in a European context, imposed miserable austerity and capital controls on Greece (2015).?
In saying the above, it is pragmatic for a new Ireland to advocate a standardised European wide Health Service free at the point of service (mainly so ordinary people have peace of mind when travelling abroad).
See links below regarding the questionable measures the EU have taken in the past.?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/dec/13/eu-ireland-lisbon-treaty
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-staggers/2021/01/eu-has-surrendered-moral-high-ground-over-irish-border
Health and Social Care/Education Recommendations
1. Free Health service. The principles governing a new 32-county Ireland would see a free health service fully funded to attract good quality staff. This new health service would include high standard care homes/social care/mental health services.?It’s not morally or financially feasible to profiteer from care homes because to maximise profits one has to streamline expenditure and services.?Good care cannot be streamlined. People should not be forced into selling their homes to pay care home fees in a civilised forward-looking society. In essence, what did people work all their lives for if not to accrue wealth to pass on to their dependents?
2. Those suffering with Addiction Issues.?Funds should be made available for a new Irish Health Service to treat addiction issues in a sensitive and compassionate manner including accessible rehabilitation.?There should be a discussion on decriminalising some drugs, whereas alcohol should be classed as a drug just like the rest, taking into consideration the damage alcohol does to society.??What’s more, education from an early age is the key to understanding drug damage.?Suicide prevention methods also need to come under critical spotlight with an emphasis on why, for some, life is deemed so difficult it is not worth living.?Our bill paying bureaucracy also needs analysis which could look at how people’s lives can be made easier. Gambling addiction is also a major cause of suicide.?Advertising/promoting gambling at sports arenas should be legislated against indefinitely, bearing in mind that children attending sporting events now grow up believing that gambling is the norm. Fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBT) also need to be restricted.?Addiction is also the cause of homelessness as seen on the streets today (see article here for possible ideas on how to address the scourge of substance addiction). https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/solution-homelessness-kevin-raftery/
3. Those in Isolation. People are embarrassed to admit that they are lonely or isolated and would be loath to ask for help. A government directive could be brought in (for older people initially) where its compulsory that after a certain age, people living alone must undertake at least one safe and well check.?Isolation and loneliness can be subtly explored during such checks.
4. Supermarket Legislation.?There should be legislation with regards to the amounts of sugar, fats, salts, chemicals and animal extracts supermarkets can add to their products if we want to see people living more healthy productive lives.?Laws regarding packaging should also be brought in to counteract the wasteful selfish mindsets of the huge multibillion dollar supermarket corporations.
5. Benefits and those unfit for work.?Those who are unfit to work due to disability/ill health should not be subject to inhumane Dickensian-like inquisitions in order to survive. Sourcing evidence regarding disability from medical professionals to qualify for such benefits should also be made easier.
5.?Education/Social Mobility.?Without expanding too much on the obvious (free university education for all, help for small businesses, free school meals and equipment, free childcare, decent and affordable housing for example), social mobility and nepotism needs to come under critical spotlight in the context of: ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know.’?Independent panels need to be initiated in any new Ireland for job interviews/funding etc. so talented ordinary people from an ordinary class background have a greater chance of succeeding in life.
Environmental Recommendations?
1. Air pollution. A future Ireland would have to enshrine environmental codes to its constitution. It’s of no consequence whether one believes in Global Warming/Climate Change or not. ?Cancer-causing fumes can be experienced by standing at any main road or bus depot. Motor vehicles including buses need to start converting to electricity immediately - not by 2050 or any other ridiculous date.
2. Meat consumption and Zoos.?Meat consumption needs to be subtly discouraged (mass animal manufacture is having a damaging impact on the environment), and plant-based products need to be more widely promoted. Not to mention that the cruelty inflicted on animals generically (especially before and during slaughter) should be legislated against. In the wider context regarding animal rights, zoos featuring caged animals should be phased out and replaced with wildlife parks where animals are free to roam.
3. Restoring old buildings. The culture of repeatedly erecting new buildings (sometimes as vanity projects) needs discussion.?New builds (except for housing) are detrimental to the environment. Many corporate projects (which are passed by councils) proffer the same retail or student accommodation theme where big business is the only benefactor.?Any new housing builds should include adequate sound proofing (many builders do not properly soundproof to maximise profit (as seen with social housing).?This has a detrimental effect on the quality of life.
4. New 32-county Rail Network. Ireland needs to be opened up (transport wise) with a new publicly owned rapid rail network. More rural areas can be rail-fed from the main line stations below.?????????????????????????????
New All-Ireland Fast Rail Network (Irish Rail). Key: Athlone
South to North Vertical Line (West Coastal) Dingle to Derry
Dingle – Tralee – Enis – Galway (Change for stations to Belfast Central) – Westport – Sligo – Donegal – Strabane – Derry?
South to North Vertical Line (Inland) Cork to Omagh
Cork – Limerick (Change for rail-feed to Portlaoise/Dublin Connolly) – Athlone (change for rail-feed to Dublin Connolly and Galway) – Enniskillen – Omagh?
North to South Vertical Line (East Coastal) Ballycastle to Skibbereen
Ballycastle – Belfast Central – Newcastle – Newry - Dundalk – Drogheda – Dublin Connolly (Change for rail-feed to Athlone) – Wicklow – Wexford – Waterford – Cork – Skibbereen
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West to East Diagonal Line - Galway to Belfast Central
Galway - Ireland West Airport - Carrick-on-Shannon - Cavan - Monaghan - Armagh - Belfast Central
General Recommendations including Reconciliation/Economy
1. Republican Phraseology/Loyalist Marches. ?It is recommended that the principles governing a new Ireland would include nationalist representatives dropping the ‘United Ireland’ ‘Republican’ etc. vernacular, before and during constitutional change.?It is thought that many who aspire to Irish unity envision a 32-county state in a way that is fixed (determined by republican ideology). The reality of a 32-county state (with unionists onboard) may not be what they imagined. Republican phraseology used by representatives in any new Ireland would be seen as offensive/triumphalist/dogmatic to all sections of unionism in Ireland and would only invite suspicion.?As for government terminology like Taoiseach (in any 32-county nation), it might be prudent to term government institutions in English and Irish. Perhaps nationalists could offer a token gesture and allow the English to be said first: for example, Premier/Taoiseach.?On the loyalist side, the burning of effigies on bonfires is abhorrent and has no place in a civilised society. Triumphalist marches honouring battles fought hundreds of years ago also need to be configured differently. The contentious issue of marches needs extensive dialogue between the parties. Furthermore, the majority of the population in any new Ireland would not want to see flag waving on streets (to mark territory) in any shape or form.?Extensive flag waving can induce fear; as can murals.
2. Murals/Tourism. Murals and monuments (including the Peace wall) as seen in in the North of Ireland should be slowly but methodically dismantled (where possible) to perhaps feature in a dynamic open-air museum.?The intention would be to simultaneously normalise communities and respect/remember those who perished during the conflict. Monuments could include town centre statues of ‘notables’ nationalists find offensive.?Dynamic Tourism incentives is one way to raise capital for an-all Ireland economy and reduce any deficit, as is a new 32-county non-sectarian Ireland positing itself as a model to be used on the world stage exemplifying how warring nation states can achieve long-lasting peace and reconciliation.?This will encourage investment.
3. Expenses Bonanzas/Dividends/Wealth Tax.?Political representatives (and others) who claim for expenses when they command a good salary is an aberration and the public feel incensed by it. When ordinary people see representatives claiming extortionate sums for simple travel and accommodation expenses thus living much cushier lives than those that elected them erodes public confidence.?A new Ireland can bring with it the winds of change where a strong scrutiny panel (with powers) can be commissioned to examine expenses rackets and make them more proportionate.?This scrutiny panel could be overarching, in that it also scrutinizes other expense claimers like the ‘men of the cloth’ who also seem to live very privileged lives whilst their congregation live in poverty. Not forgetting the dividends taken by bankers/utility company chiefs. In fact, there are countless big companies who are in dire need of scrutiny. Public ownership of all utilities is the way forward, and with regard to banks, non-profit people’s banks need to be introduced - perhaps modelled on the credit union.?Conversely, highly profitable private banks should be subject to a ‘High Profit Tax’ to finance health and social care.
4. Legacies regarding victims of the troubles.?Regarding those seeking justice and closure for the death of a loved-one due to the conflict, an all-Ireland agency, where nationalists and unionists can work in conjunction for one common goal should be established. ?Prosecutions should be one line of atonement (decided by the victims’ families).
5. Same Sex Relationships.?Any progressive/civilised country would be tolerant and embracing of same sex relationships.?In contrast, many who have a different sexuality are unhappy being lumped with LGBT groups, some of which can encompass those who are openly predisposed to offensive (to some) sexual proclivities (sexual activity between consenting adults is private).?Generically, no section of society should be marginalised by being pigeonholed into a particular grouping determinant.?Those of a different sexuality should be part of the mainstream, which would, in turn, remove the need to shout out loud regarding how one likes to dress up in public/behave in the bed chamber (as seen on some LGBT marches).?Being born Transgender is a real complex issue and needs medical support (including counselling).
6. Media.?Any new state should be equipped with a fair and impartial state medium; staffed by those drawn from all sections of society, not just from the middle and upper classes. Colour and race representation should match the demographic. An independent Press and Televisual complaints Committee should also be set up to hear complaints about mediums who breach fair/balanced reporting codes. Currently, there is little faith in the media worldwide, with more and more people switching off, not on, to ‘news’ items.?Tacky, sensationalist tabloids with their own agenda have been operating unchecked in Ireland (north and south) for decades.?This needs to change.
Those same tabloids can discreetly own scores of local periodicals around the ‘UK’.?For example, Reach/Daily Mirror controls BelfastLive as well as countless others including StokeonTrentLive (or the Sentinel as it is known locally).?This is not democratic.?Reach’s main source of local titillation for its readers relies on photographing offenders outside of court, the majority of which have mental health issues/addiction problems. Being photographed and further humiliated by being pictured in the local paper cements the notion in the offender’s mind that they are ‘undesirables’, so, more often than not, they behave like undesirables and offend once again and so the criminal cycle continues. This, in turn, convinces the public reading the stories that the paper is doing a public service. It can be argued that many local papers are doing the public a disservice because crime rates are high across the ‘UK’. Newspapers should not be in the position to affect crime. Click link below for more.
https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/local-gutter-press-crime-influencing-reach-kevin-raftery/
7. Conflict. If violence should arise from the electorate voting for a 32-county Irish state, Irish American involvement (with a view to US troop deployment) is paramount. The British government and its armed forces cannot be trusted to act impartially.?Civilised, ordinary people do not want to live through conflict again.?Conflict in Ireland does not just allow hatred between Catholics and Protestants to mutate – it has far-reaching effects, where hatred towards the Irish can mutate in England, Scotland and Wales too. ?This suits some unionist quarters.
Recommendations Summary
Constitutional Recommendations
Health and Social Care/Education Recommendations
Environmental Recommendations
General Recommendations including Reconciliation/Economy
Notes Since Submission/Invitation to Seanad
Page 1 Border Poll
It is estimated that the Border Poll will deliver a 60-65% (nearer 60%) majority for a 32-county state in the 6 counties and 65-70% (nearer 65%) would vote for a 32-county state in the 26 counties (if persuading is done transparently and convincingly). It’s not a foregone conclusion that the 26-county electorate will vote for unification.?However, by promising the 26-county electorate that they will be given a vote on joining the EU if unification is opted for, will instil trust and a sense of importance that they are participating in Ireland’s future. The same goes for the 6 counties.
Important Note: As of the 25th August 2024, and due to growing civil unrest in the 26 counties around immigration and identity politics (as already detailed), it is thought that the majority of the population in the 26 counties would now not vote for (endorse) a 32-county state in any subsequent Border Poll, whether that new state is proposed to be in or out of the EU (estimated Yes vote: 45-50 %).
Page 2 Policing.
The generic name for the 32-county Police Force could be the uniform: ‘All Ireland Guards’
Pages 2/3 The European Union (EU)?
To enter a border poll on the premise that a ‘yes’ for unification vote would automatically include joining the EU is irresponsible. Votes from those who like the idea of unity but don’t like the idea of joining the EU would be lost. A vote on joining the EU post-unification is more prudent. Irish Unity is supposed to be all-inclusive, so?by stating that any new Ireland would have to be in the EU alienates over 700, 000 unionist/nationalist Leave voters from the process before a border poll has even been announced.?This is divisive and could stir up tensions. Technically, unionists were on the winning side post-EU referendum (not forgetting that the UK - which unionists were part of, voted to leave the EU). The argument put forward that Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU and so the whole island would automatically morph into an EU-based statelet come unification is flawed. The Brexit vote occurred in a 'UK' context, whereas a unity border poll would be initiated in an all-island context (a completely new geopolitical landscape).
Page 4 Education/Social Mobility (help for businesses)
Help for small businesses should also include medium-sized businesses and large-sized businesses, only if they participate in fair pay schemes and treat their employees well).
Page 5 Environment
There needs to be a New Ireland Blueprint/Prototype/Prospectus/Directive established on what Irish unity would look like – this submission is the skeletal frame for unification which needs 'fleshing out'. I have used Transport to exemplify what campaigners for unification should be campaigning on. At future All-Ireland conventions, a large dynamic digital visual display/presentation of the proposed (and costed) all-Ireland Rapid Rail infrastructure (with perhaps digital lights determining the track with Athlone flashing as the railway hub) is the way forward. ?A rough draft (leaflet prototype) of how one might persuade regarding Transport is on file (Dingle to Derry Line). The idea for a new Ireland needs to be sold (with accompanying visual displays including rail feeds and costings).
Page 6 Republican phraseology
James Nesbitt said at the ‘Together we Can’ conference that there was a need to move away from terms like 'United Ireland'.?He said: “I think one of the great challenges and actually one of the great opportunities is to start getting away from language that is incendiary,” Nesbitt said that a “new union of Ireland” could appeal to Protestants. ??Therefore, although James Nesbitt described language like 'United Ireland' as incendiary (means to stir up conflict) why do academics/media/politicians continue using it??Besides, how can unionists be persuaded to vote for a 32-county state in a border poll if they are disgusted by the language?
Page 6.?Media
Scaremongering coverage (against the Yes Vote) during the Scottish referendum in 2014 was disgraceful. How will the ‘UK’ media cover the Border Poll – negatively?
Regarding a new Irish state broadcaster, it must be said that expert opinion broadcast today largely features those who are well-paid, meaning that opinion is skewed towards self-interest.
Page 7. Conflict
If all the pointers outlined in this submission are implemented, it will remove any possible reasons or justifications for loyalist violence in the event of a ‘Yes’ vote for a 32-county state.
Besides, mechanisms or plans in any new future border poll prospectus should not give hard-line loyalists any reason to return to violence. Excluding 700,000 Leave voters (by railroading the Irish people into the EU without a vote) is alienating a section of the population and is not conducive to peaceful coexistence in a unified state.?We cannot expect unionists to take a ‘double whammy’ as in leaving the UK and being forced back into the EU.
Page 5. Environmental Recommendations
5. Sewage treatment and cleaning up our Seas and Waterways
How to dispose of sewage should be reconfigured (possible dissolution).?Seas and all Waterways should also be thoroughly cleansed and new legislation passed to bar companies from dumping their waste into our channels.