The real issue is still going to be the status of Gibraltar post Brexit, which also shares an albeit small border with Spain - something both it and Spain truly rely on - and this issue will most likely be more complex. That said, border issues are being made into mountains out of molehills quite frankly, I see this period of 'negotiations' as all parties (both across Europe and in the UK) throwing their toys out of the pram in a fit of rage.
As for NI, well it has its own issues sure. The 1971 referendum highlighted the desire of the populace to remain part of the UK, but you can, of course, argue that it's time for another - though would that jeopardise the Good Friday Agreement? probably. And does it require consensus from the Republic? Yes. So for now, the old arguments will stay.
But the issues of homelessness and poverty are not unique to NI, areas of Wales and Cornwall as a whole are ranked as poorer then NI, partly due to the rapid loss of heavy industry, and declining agricultural industries. Yes, there's a desire from external investors- particularly the electric car industry, which sees this areas as crucial sources of raw materials, but without central government support, the situation continues.
But hey, our countries have always led the way, in technology, and culture. I see no reason for this integration and joined up thinking to stop just because of disputes over the EU.
29-Mar-2018 23:29:37