Eligibility Rules, Okay

[Not Brazil]

eh, i know a lad who was called up at underage for NI without any passport - didnt need one, was young and hadn't travelled abroad, so hadn't applied. Identity or citizenship didnt matter, he considered himself irish.

Was this at schoolboy level?

You don't need a Passport to be a Citizen of a Nation - although, if you intend to play away internationals, a Passport comes in handy.

Nationality sits at the core of FIFA's eligibility rules - the simple fact is that to represent Northern Ireland, you have to be a British Citizen - to say that "citizenship didn't matter" leads me to think the lad you know was called up to a schoolboy representative side - different kettle of fish, in that scenario.

In terms of eligibility, certainly at Under 19 and above, Citizenship matters very much. A player can "identify" whatever way he likes - it is his British Citizenship (or "Nationality") that renders him eligible to play for Northern Ireland.

As stated previously, Citizenship of the Republic of Ireland absolutely does not make a player eligible to play for Northern Ireland.

[Newryrep]

I suppose that's a consideration, but I'd be reluctant to place such a responsibility onto such young players seeing as their local community accepts their accomplishments with pride, even if that community doesn't support the NI team and probably will never do so.

Fair point.......... who is anybody to judge ?

[geysir]

that doesn't make senss tho.James mclean and mcginn etc held Irish passports.the only difference between robbie keane and James mclean - IN the context of ' irishness' - is the place they were born yet 1 of them is clearly eligible to play for NI.
Because being born in NI means the player is a dual national. British and Irish, the British nationality is required to play for NI


what geysir is saying is that being Irish ajd Irish alone and being born in NI is enough to qualify to play for NI.
Yes, because being born in NI entitles you to British citizenship


fifa dont go through some rigorous checks of pre-requisites amd required documentation
If a player for example is transferring from one association to another, then the beneficial association has to ensure that the documentation is sent to FIFA for approval.
For the most part, FIFA entrusts all the responsibility of ensuring that the player is eligible, to the association. After that, in an official game that comes under the UEFA/FIFA authority, the players are required to present their passports to an official for inspection. This is to ensure that the player has the nationality of the association he represents. However, as we know there are a number of examples that demonstrate that a passport alone is not sufficient proof of eligibility.
I presume that passport details are recorded by the official. If for any reason there is a perceived cause for an objection to say a player's eligibility to play, there is a procedure that an objecting association can follow.

[paul_oshea]

Was this at schoolboy level?

You don't need a Passport to be a Citizen of a Nation - although, if you intend to play away internationals, a Passport comes in handy.

Nationality sits at the core of FIFA's eligibility rules - the simple fact is that to represent Northern Ireland, you have to be a British Citizen - to say that "citizenship didn't matter" leads me to think the lad you know was called up to a schoolboy representative side - different kettle of fish, in that scenario.

In terms of eligibility, certainly at Under 19 and above, Citizenship matters very much. A player can "identify" whatever way he likes - it is his British Citizenship (or "Nationality") that renders him eligible to play for Northern Ireland.

As stated previously, Citizenship of the Republic of Ireland absolutely does not make a player eligible to play for Northern Ireland.

Yes at schoolboy to U17, isn't that still Northern Ireland?

I think my point was confused with the different stages to what entitlement, eligibility, and actually acquiring citizenship are.

[tetsujin1979]

Yes at schoolboy to U17, isn't that still Northern Ireland?

I think my point was confused with the different stages to what entitlement, eligibility, and actually acquiring citizenship are.
think you only need a passport for competitive underage internationals. Not sure if schoolboy counts.

[Predator]

McCourt, McGinn, Ferguson Lafferty, Donnelly,Clingan , Duff - I just sadi this to counter argue what certain people have claimed - that people are trying to make Northern Ireland a one religion only side. i support the north and their players (all players)Again, how do you know the spiritual beliefs of those players? It seems to me to be nothing more than perverted guesswork. No need for it really, since, frankly, who cares what religion (if any) these players are?

[Not Brazil]

No need for it really, since, frankly, who cares what religion (if any) these players are?

James McClean cared about such matters - it dictated his "comfort" level.

Although, judging by some of the friends he keeps around HMP Maghaberry, I'd have thought some people might not be overly comfortable in young James's company.

[geysir]

James McClean cared about such matters - it dictated his "comfort" level.


If that were true then he must be in a state of chassis in the Republic's squad.

[Predator]

James McClean cared about such matters - it dictated his "comfort" level.Unless you're plain silly, or being intentionally obtuse, you know what kind of sentiment McClean's naive statements amounted to - the alienating atmosphere of the environment of the Northern Ireland football team in its entirety. However, clearly there is an unwillingness within the Northern Ireland fan base and the IFA to do anything about this.


Although, judging by some of the friends he keeps around HMP Maghaberry, I'd have thought some people might not be overly comfortable in young James's company.Go on, spit it out.

[DannyInvincible]

Yes at schoolboy to U17, isn't that still Northern Ireland?

I think my point was confused with the different stages to what entitlement, eligibility, and actually acquiring citizenship are.

Not sure about this, but isn't eligibility at schoolboy level dictated by where a player goes to school rather than his nationality?

[Predator]

Not sure about this, but isn't eligibility at schoolboy level dictated by where a player goes to school rather than his nationality?
Dale Gorman, a St. Eunan's Letterkenny student, seems to contradict this through his appearances for the Northern Ireland schoolboy team. I'm sure there are others who are schooled in England who have also played for IFA (and probably the FAI too - when we think of James Wallace and Gerard Kinsella). Possibly it used to be the case... or maybe it never was. Perhaps it was one of those myths that got out of hand.

[DannyInvincible]

If you seem to draw some comfort from believing that Danny was under a similar misapprehension to yourself, then good for you. However, I wouldn't confuse a minor, and quickly corrected, misunderstanding in the last few days over an inter-associational agreement, with your lengthy bewilderment over the last few months. Perhaps Danny can enlighten you as to the truth?

Clarified my confusion here (http://foot.ie/threads/147164-Eligibility-Rules-Okay?p=1597298&viewfull=1#post1597298). An inter-associational agreement would fall foul of FIFA's rules as it would impinge upon the right of players not party to such an agreement to switch association once. I wouldn't envisage an internal, informal declaration like NB seeks to have any problems in relation to the statutes, however.

[The Fly]

Clarified my confusion here (http://foot.ie/threads/147164-Eligibility-Rules-Okay?p=1597298&viewfull=1#post1597298).

Sorry I missed that Danny. I can just imagine AB's sense of deflation. ;)



An inter-associational agreement would fall foul of FIFA's rules as it would impinge upon the right of players not party to such an agreement to switch association once. I wouldn't envisage an internal, informal declaration like NB seeks to have any problems in relation to the statutes, however.

Agreed.

[Charlie Darwin]

Dale Gorman, a St. Eunan's Letterkenny student, seems to contradict this through his appearances for the Northern Ireland schoolboy team. I'm sure there are others who are schooled in England who have also played for IFA (and probably the FAI too - when we think of James Wallace and Gerard Kinsella). Possibly it used to be the case... or maybe it never was. Perhaps it was one of those myths that got out of hand.
I'd imagine Gorman qualifies for NI underage teams but not schools teams.

[Lionel Ritchie]

Thanks for finding that Danny. I've long suspected such an agreement would fall foul of FIFA.

[Predator]

I'd imagine Gorman qualifies for NI underage teams but not schools teams.
That is possible, but I think it unlikely. I'm inclined to believe that there is no distinction made, but I could be wrong. Now, where are the player eligibility rules for schools teams? :)

The IFA's website lists their squad profiles thus: "Senior, U21, U19, U17, U18 Schooboys, U16 Schoolboys, U15 Schoolboys" and this (http://irishfa.com/international/squad-profiles/squad/11/u16-schoolboys/) is their U16 Schooboys profile.
Patrick McNair played for the NISFA teams while being schooled in England.
Here's a source: http://www.nisfa.co.uk/Under_16.aspx

Interesting to see that Conor Thompson never went to school in NI, ever.

[ArdeeBhoy]

If you seem to draw some comfort from believing that Danny was under a similar misapprehension to yourself, then good for you. However, I wouldn't confuse a minor, and quickly corrected, misunderstanding in the last few days over an inter-associational agreement, with your lengthy bewilderment over the last few months. Perhaps Danny can enlighten you as to the truth?

Actually I had 'no lengthy bewilderment', except in the obtuse terms it was proposed pretty pointlessly by its originator. Though I am surprised you have chosen to speak for him. Surely he's capable of repeating the same tedious point for infinity?

Or were you anticipating yet another third party's 'sense of deflation'?
;)

[ArdeeBhoy]

James McClean cared about such matters - it dictated his "comfort" level.

Perhaps it was related to these particular 'dreams' you keep referring to...



Although, judging by some of the friends he keeps around HMP Maghaberry, I'd have thought some people might not be overly comfortable in young James's company.
If you'd bothered to read his thread on here recently, you'd have seen that the 'Uachtarán na hÉireann' clearly thinks differently...

[The Fly]

Actually I had 'no lengthy bewilderment', except in the obtuse terms it was proposed pretty pointlessly by its originator. Though I am surprised you have chosen to speak for him. Surely he's capable of repeating the same tedious point for infinity?


If you find simple straightforward ideas, succinctly expressed in short and snappy single line sentences, confusing...then I can't say I'm surprised.

(look at that alliteration!)

[geysir]

Clarified my confusion here (http://foot.ie/threads/147164-Eligibility-Rules-Okay?p=1597298&viewfull=1#post1597298). An inter-associational agreement would fall foul of FIFA's rules as it would impinge upon the right of players not party to such an agreement to switch association once. I wouldn't envisage an internal, informal declaration like NB seeks to have any problems in relation to the statutes, however.
This may need further discussion.
If an association was to suddenly request players at the age of 18 to take an oath of allegiance, then shouldn't that oath of allegiance also state that this in no way impinges upon the player's rights to change his mind according to the FIFA statutes, which kinda defeats the purpose of the oath.
I'm swaying towards an Ardee Bhoy type position and my world hasn't collapsed :)

If 2 associations were permitted by FIFA to make an agreement, then that agreement would have to be included in the statutes to make it CAS proof.
And if it were included in the statutes then would the terms not have to apply to all similar situations, just like article 6?

[Not Brazil]

Sadly however, I doubt that he provides an insight into the mindset of your typical NI fan. Perhaps NB can gives us an update on that?


I'm not so sure there is such a thing as 'your typical NI fan' The Fly.

Such terminology is born from typical stereotyping.

Northern Ireland fans, like Republic Of Ireland fans, come from a variety of backgrounds and have a huge array and diversity of opinions.

The thing all Northern Ireland fans have in common is that they are very patriotic.

How that patriotism is expressed is at the core of change.

I sense a growing number of our fans becoming mature and confident enough to understand that expressing 'Northern Irishness' at a Northern Ireland match does not dilute one's Britishness.

I have met many Northern Ireland fans on my travels - they range from being total arseholes to lifelong friends.

The Anthem will change - not to appease our detractors.

Will that make a difference in support from the nationalist/republican community? - I don't think so.

The very nature of nationalism/republicanism is that it wants to see Northern Ireland no longer exist - it would therefore seem to me that no matter what changes are made by the IFA it would be difficult for a nationalist/ republican to support Northern Ireland - especially as they can support the Republic Of Ireland.

That certainly doesn't exercise me - in fact, I find it perfectly logical.

Many Northern Ireland fans, and indeed the IFA, got it all wrong on the eligibility issue.

The challenge now is to make the best of a bad job - and prosper.

[Not Brazil]

If an association was to suddenly request players at the age of 18 to take an oath of allegiance, then shouldn't that oath of allegiance also state that this in no way impinges upon the player's rights to change his mind according to the FIFA statutes, which kinda defeats the purpose of the oath.


No one has suggested an 'oath of allegiance'.

Nothing I have proposed impinges on any player rights under the FIFA Statutes.

[DannyInvincible]

This may need further discussion.
If an association was to suddenly request players at the age of 18 to take an oath of allegiance, then shouldn't that oath of allegiance also state that this in no way impinges upon the player's rights to change his mind according to the FIFA statutes, which kinda defeats the purpose of the oath.
I'm swaying towards an Ardee Bhoy type position and my world hasn't collapsed :)

If 2 associations were permitted by FIFA to make an agreement, then that agreement would have to be included in the statutes to make it CAS proof.
And if it were included in the statutes then would the terms not have to apply to all similar situations, just like article 6?

A player would still be entitled to switch from the IFA to the FAI if he liked. (And from the FAI to the IFA if he liked; I don't think NB has any issue with players switching to the IFA after having first represented their association of preference, except for when that player is Alex Bruce.) NB wishes to put his faith in the honesty of players. They're asked to declare where their allegiance ultimately lies, they declare and, from there, the IFA decides if they're interested in selecting them. (Isn't that more or less what Bruce did though?) No need for any formal oath with quasi-legal/contractual obligations or anything. Of course, such a system would be vulnerable to bad faith, but NB is clearly prepared to accept that in the hope that most, or at least some, players will be honest rather than see the IFA do nothing and continue to select under-age players who might harbour hopes of ultimately playing for the FAI. There are merely practical issues, but that's the IFA's business. I've no issue with it in principle and don't see how it would fall foul of the rules.

I'm just thinking of the furore last year over the FFF potentially introducing racial quotas; certainly, they'd have defied the spirit of the game and maybe FIFA/UEFA would have persuaded the FFF to drop the idea on that basis if it ever looked like taking off, but I'm wondering would they specifically have fallen foul of the eligibility rules/articles 5 to 8? Associations aren't under any obligation to select/train anyone they don't want to select, after all.

[gastric]

'The very nature of nationalism/republicanism is that it wants to see Northern Ireland no longer exist - it would therefore seem to me that no matter what changes are made by the IFA it would be difficult for a nationalist/ republican to support Northern Ireland - especially as they can support the Republic Of Ireland'. Not Brazil

NB, Taking your point, people from republicans come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from the extremists who advocate violence, to those who are realistic enough to realise that a united Ireland will never occur. It could certainly be argued that it is the political aspect of the IFA as well as the extreme nature of many of its fans that continues to alienate Nationalists.

[rellik]

Such terminology is born from typical stereotyping.
.... The very nature of nationalism/republicanism is that it wants to see Northern Ireland no longer exist

No - you're wrong. Do you actually know any nationalists? Most who identify themselves as such don't give a flying f*ck about the status of the northern irish state (or soccer team). It is utterly inconsequential to them.

Can you back-up your statement? How many nationalists have personally told you they want to see northen ireland no longer exist?

[Not Brazil]

It could certainly be argued that it is the political aspect of the IFA as well as the extreme nature of many of its fans that continues to alienate Nationalists.

What exactly do you mean by 'the political aspect of the IFA'?

What exactly do you mean by 'the extreme nature of many of it's fans?

I don't think that Northern Ireland fans are any more 'extreme' than anybody else's fans - whatever extreme means.

[Not Brazil]

No - you're wrong. Do you actually know any nationalists? Most who identify themselves as such don't give a flying f*ck about the status of the northern irish state (or soccer team). It is utterly inconsequential to them.

Can you back-up your statement? How many nationalists have personally told you they want to see northen ireland no longer exist?

Really?

I know lots and lots of Nationalists and Republicans - I work with, and socialise with, many Nationalists and Republicans.

All of them, who are proudly Nationalist or Republican, would like to see a 'United' 32 County Irish State - that means there would be no Northern Ireland.

Read the manifestos of the SDLP and PSF - then look at the numbers who vote for them.

Your ludicrous post is akin to saying that Unionists don't care about the Union.

[Not Brazil]

Now, where are the player eligibility rules for schools teams? :)


That's a very good question.

The Northern Ireland Schools' Football Association Rules state:

"A pupil may represent the Association in International matches in accordance with the rules of the Schools' Association Football International Board"

However, the Schools' Association Football International Board website does not provide details of said rules.

[gastric]

What exactly do you mean by 'the political aspect of the IFA'?

What exactly do you mean by 'the extreme nature of many of it's fans?

I don't think that Northern Ireland fans are any more 'extreme' than anybody else's fans - whatever extreme means.

I don't want to get dragged into an argument with you, but the extremity of comment on OWC is an example of what alienates many Nationalists. On the political aspect of the IFA, I think this has been commented on many times on this thread.

[ArdeeBhoy]

If you find simple straightforward ideas, succinctly expressed in short and snappy single line sentences, confusing...then I can't say I'm surprised.
Really?
Where and when were these?

Clearly your memory doesn't stretch back as far as two days ago...

[Not Brazil]

I don't want to get dragged into an argument with you, but the extremity of comment on OWC is an example of what alienates many Nationalists. On the political aspect of the IFA, I think this has been commented on many times on this thread.

Well, of you don't wish to engage in discussion, or cannot articulate your assertions, it might be best to say nothing.

I'm sure the OWC moderating team would be quite flattered to learn than their website is fundamental in forming Nationalist opinion.

[DannyInvincible]

I don't want to get dragged into an argument with you, but the extremity of comment on OWC is an example of what alienates many Nationalists. On the political aspect of the IFA, I think this has been commented on many times on this thread.

I'm not convinced. Whether OWCers are extreme or not wouldn't have any bearing on the general cultural relevance of the NI team to the nationalist community. If anything, surely it is the intrinsic British/unionist nature of the NI team that confirms to nationalists that NI is not for them.

[rellik]

Again. You are wrong. You need to educate yourself about the nationalist communities attitude to northern ireland, and how its status reflects upon their own identity (hint - it doesn't).

[ArdeeBhoy]

What exactly do you mean by 'the political aspect of the IFA'?

What exactly do you mean by 'the extreme nature of many of it's fans?

I don't think that Northern Ireland fans are any more 'extreme' than anybody else's fans - whatever extreme means.
I'll let others comment on whether the IFA are political;they strike as more incompetent than anything else. Though as we all know that's hardly a unique attribute for a national FA...

As for their fans, as alluded to above, most I've encountered have been far more militant on this 'player issue' and to that extent NB is a bit of a 'voice in the wilderness...'.
It doesn't make them 'extreme' by the standards of the North though, far from it...

[Not Brazil]

Again. You are wrong. You need to educate yourself about the nationalist communities attitude to northern ireland, and how its status reflects upon their own identity (hint - it doesn't).

What are the main political aspirations of a 'nationalist'?

[ArdeeBhoy]

The opposite to those of a 'unionist'.
;)

[gastric]

I'm not convinced. Whether OWCers are extreme or not wouldn't have any bearing on the general cultural relevance of the NI team to the nationalist community. If anything, surely it is the intrinsic British/unionist nature of the NI team that confirms to nationalists that NI is not for them.

Granted. But it can certainly galvanise their opinion and does not in any way ingratiate the NI team to Nationalists and that is the point I am making.

[rellik]

What are the main political aspirations of a 'nationalist'?

In reality high employment, a successful economy and first class health care/education. At an abstract level probably equality and self-determination through purely democratic means. By that definition therefore nationalists do not want to see the end to the northern ireland state, unless there comes a time whereby the state, by its own accord, ceases to exist.

[gastric]

Well, of you don't wish to engage in discussion, or cannot articulate your assertions, it might be best to say nothing.

I'm sure the OWC moderating team would be quite flattered to learn than their website is fundamental in forming Nationalist opinion.

And if you want to revert to insults, I know what I will be doing next month, watching my team in a major competition. Maybe you should use your energies to help the IFA find some relevancy as the future looks particularly ordinary.

[Not Brazil]

Granted. But it can certainly galvanise their opinion and does not in any way ingratiate the NI team to Nationalists and that is the point I am making.

Do you have any suggestions as to what the IFA should do to 'ingratiate' the Northern Ireland team to Nationalists?

Do you believe there are many Nationalists bursting at the seams to support Northern Ireland, if only the IFA ingratiated them?

Whatever changes were made, do you think many Nationalists/Republicans would have more of an affinity to the Northern Ireland team than to the Republic Of Ireland team?

I'm with DI on this - I genuinely believe that even if the Anthem and Flag were changed (something I would support!) for Northern Ireland games, that it would make little or no difference to the numbers of Nationalists/Republicans supporting Northern Ireland.

Why? - because they are Nationalists/Republicans.

[gastric]

Do you have any suggestions as to what the IFA should do to 'ingratiate' the Northern Ireland team to Nationalists?

Do you believe there are many Nationalists bursting at the seams to support Northern Ireland, if only the IFA ingratiated them?

Whatever changes were made, do you think many Nationalists/Republicans would have more of an affinity to the Northern Ireland team than to the Republic Of Ireland team?

I'm with DI on this - I genuinely believe that even if the Anthem and Flag were changed (something I would support!) for Northern Ireland games, that it would make little or no difference to the numbers of Nationalists/Republicans supporting Northern Ireland.

Why? - because they are Nationalists/Republicans.

I was actully responding to your comments about the OWC. It seems we are back to moving goalposts which is why it is often hard to engage in meaningful debate with you.

[Not Brazil]

In reality high employment, a successful economy and first class health care/education. At an abstract level probably equality and self-determination through purely democratic means. By that definition therefore nationalists do not want to see the end to the northern ireland state, unless there comes a time whereby the state, by its own accord, ceases to exist.

You should set up a new Nationalist political party.

I had a quick glance at the website of the main Nationalist political party - the SDLP.

Under it's 'ideas', number 1 is a United Ireland. No problems with that at all, but don't insult our intelligence by saying that Nationalists, by definition, don't seek a United Ireland.

We all want high employment, quality healthcare etc - when it comes to supporting a national football team, I would respectfully suggest that cultural identity comes to the fore.

[Not Brazil]

I was actully responding to your comments about the OWC. It seems we are back to moving goalposts which is why it is often hard to engage in meaningful debate with you.

My questions to you still stand.

You are quick to identify the problems, but what are your solutions for the IFA to ingratiate the Nationalist community in their support of the Northern Ireland team?

[gastric]

You should set up a new Nationalist political party.

I had a quick glance at the website of the main Nationalist political party - the SDLP.

Under it's 'ideas', number 1 is a United Ireland. No problems with that at all, but don't insult our intelligence by saying that Nationalists, by definition, don't seek a United Ireland.

We all want high employment, quality healthcare etc - when it comes to supporting a national football team, I would respectfully suggest that cultural identity comes to the fore.

Idealism and realism are two different things. And in the real world give a guess which one wins. Maybe this is different in Unionist circles.

[paul_oshea]

Not sure about this, but isn't eligibility at schoolboy level dictated by where a player goes to school rather than his nationality?

Perhaps, like Giggs did with England.

But my point is more around the checking of said nationality, all these players can have whatever nationality, identity they want. I wouldn't believe they actually do check up until a certain level, not senior. Predators point proves this also.

[gastric]

My questions to you still stand.

You are quick to identify the problems, but what are your solutions for the IFA to ingratiate the Nationalist community in their support of the Northern Ireland team?

And that is really the issue. Decades of close affiliation with Unionist politics has not helped the IFA. In terms of solution I have been criticised on here for my views which would involve a seismic change involving leadership, transparency, responsibility and God help, us a plan for the future which presently does not seem to exist.

[rellik]

You should set up a new Nationalist political party.

I had a quick glance at the website of the main Nationalist political party - the SDLP.

Under it's 'ideas', number 1 is a United Ireland. No problems with that at all, but don't insult our intelligence by saying that Nationalists, by definition, don't seek a United Ireland.

We all want high employment, quality healthcare etc - when it comes to supporting a national football team, I would respectfully suggest that cultural identity comes to the fore.


Actually the SDLP manifesto proposes a referendum on unity, with the northern Ireland assembly and executive continuing as a regional parliament, much as it operates today. As such if the state, by it's own accord, leaves the union, it's political system will largely remain intact.

[Not Brazil]

I know what I will be doing next month, watching my team in a major competition. Maybe you should use your energies to help the IFA find some relevancy as the future looks particularly ordinary.

Ouch.:D

Funnily enough, I'll be in the Ukraine on the last weekend of June - watching a Northern Ireland International team competing against the cream of Europe.

The Head of the IFA's Community Relations Department, a good friend of mine, will be there too - in fact, he's playing.:D

I'm sure we'll chew the fat over a few refreshments about our ordinary future, and what can be done to make it brighter.

Any suggestions?

PS. I hope your favourites do well next month - I have a small financial interest in them doing well.

[paul_oshea]

Do you have any suggestions as to what the IFA should do to 'ingratiate' the Northern Ireland team to Nationalists?

Do you believe there are many Nationalists bursting at the seams to support Northern Ireland, if only the IFA ingratiated them?

Whatever changes were made, do you think many Nationalists/Republicans would have more of an affinity to the Northern Ireland team than to the Republic Of Ireland team?

I'm with DI on this - I genuinely believe that even if the Anthem and Flag were changed (something I would support!) for Northern Ireland games, that it would make little or no difference to the numbers of Nationalists/Republicans supporting Northern Ireland.

Why? - because they are Nationalists/Republicans.


Fine, support perhaps not, but it would at least make those republicans and nationalists playing for NI a lot more comfortable.

[Not Brazil]

Idealism and realism are two different things. And in the real world give a guess which one wins. Maybe this is different in Unionist circles.

Not at all - day to day issues are more concerning to me that the Constitutional status of Northern Ireland on a day to day basis.

It was you that said you don't have much in common with me - I have more in common with Nationalists/Republicans than what divides us.




And that is really the issue. Decades of close affiliation with Unionist politics has not helped the IFA. In terms of solution I have been criticised on here for my views which would involve a seismic change involving leadership, transparency, responsibility and God help, us a plan for the future which presently does not seem to exist.

What is this close affiliation with Unionist politics you speak of?

Have you any specifics about what you propose to enact the seismic changes you speak of?

As a Republic Of Ireland fan, why does this exercise you so much?




Actually the SDLP manifesto proposes a referendum on unity, with the northern Ireland assembly and executive continuing as a regional parliament, much as it operates today. As such if the state, by it's own accord, leaves the union, it's political system will largely remain intact.

So, in short, the SDLP would rather there was a United 32 County Irish State, and actively try to convince voters of the merits of that. Unionist friendly Unity is the expression a friend, Secretary of the local SDLP Branch, uses.

PS. Adam will be happy.