I tried to read some comments and followed some discussion ... it's hard for me ... reminds me of Dutch society some 70 years ago. Too much segregation and mostly talk about religion. What is Irish culture? It should be so much easier for the Irish to live together, apparently too little has been done at the grassroots level. The wall in Dublin still is closed every night? There is too little trust and this is expounded at the highest level of politicians in policy and presentation.

Was relating today about Yugoslavia and the troubles of ethnicity, split history on allegiance during the Nazi occupation and WWII. The brutal civil war and genocide was the result. Similar but on a smaller scale, that is what the civil war in Ukraine is about. A common history, yet not a common language and allegiance. Hellish result when war and hostilities break out which only worsens a bad situation.

Northern Ireland census 2011: religion and identity mapped

Is there no natural or geographic barrier that could move the Irish border further North. A mini-state of DUP'ers that could stay within the UK and the agricultural community of Catholic majority to unite with Ireland? A bit of bloody, brief civil war could settle a new border, no? ☹

As NI is not a sovereign nation, no article of the UN Charter would be violated.

PS Not at all a serous comment Frank ... I was taken aback by the posts t Slugger O'Toole.

'Sapere aude'