Are the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's powers to call an NI Border PolI -"Rules of Natural Justice" Compliant?
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
Maybe the real question is - Are the Powers of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in calling an NI Border Poll - "Rules of Natural Justice" Compliant? I. E. Reasonable, Logical, Rational, Unbiased, Proportionate with appropriate safeguards?
In the absence of an alternative coherent logical criterion. In particular, around misleading and interchangeable assumptions, perceptions and realities, in relation to completing and conflicting perceive cultures and identities. For example, for some it is not understood that an Irish nationalist by definition, cannot vote to remain in the UK. To do so will mean they are "Unionists". It is for this reason and others, that NI Irish Nationalists can therefore, safely and democratically, have their vote automatically counted, in favour of some form of Irish unification and sovereign independence. Albeit in the first instance, on what appears to be the decision criterion basis of the Secretary of State for Northern Irelands NI Border Poll powered? Therefore, a facility should be afforded to NI RC British Subjects, to self identify and reclassify, as "Unionists" , purely for the purposes of an NI Border Poll. This will assist the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in calling an NI Border Poll or not? This is a more honest and open transparent process.
It will then be for Irish Nationalists to seek to persuade the Unionists and Others, as to the merits of an all Ireland shared future. This may open the door to a pre Pan- Nationalist, Republicans, Socialists, Greens and Communists, and independent's agreement, in advance, to a devolved all Ireland settlement. Aimed at taking the uncertainty and fear out of the Irish unification process.
This all of course, begs the question, if the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will only call an NI Border Poll, if it is believed it is likely, the outcome will be some form of Irish unification and sovereign independence? Why even call an NI Border Poll? There must be alternative, less confrontational and conflictual British / Irish Inter-state modalities?
Clearly, in the absence of a compliant rules of natural justice NI Border Poll criterion. It is difficult to see, even with a margin of appreciation, as to how these powers can be implemented to enable, an open and transparent democratic process.
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