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Fergus Finlay: The road to a united Ireland got considerably longer this weekend

While the standoff on the Garvaghy Road at the weekend showed the politics of Northern Ireland is as tribal as ever, we in the Republic have to consider what we would be prepared to give up — tax, the flag, our national anthem — in the event of a united Ireland

However it ends, the Drumcree standoff has revealed something we all knew already. The politics of Northern Ireland is as tribal as it has always been. Neither side in the standoff is looking for a peaceful way of settling differences with neighbours. Both sides want a win. Pictures: Peter Morrison/PA Wire

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026 - 08:00

Fergus Finlay

Fergus Finlay is a former political activist and adviser to three governments, the former head of the children's charity Barnardos, a writer and a broadcaster.

One headline after another. All about a border poll. Andy Burnham says no, and we all say “who does he think he is?”. To make matters worse, Micheál Martin agrees with him.

Then Sinn Féin goes off to Cardiff to meet with the Scottish Nationalists and Plaid Cymru. Together, they declare that Westminster’s time is at an end. Westminster doesn’t appear to notice.

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