[ashtonkem]

It’s generally assumed that Irish unification will happen sometime this century. Demographic trends in Northern Ireland have been towards union with Ireland and away from remaining in the UK. Especially since Ireland is becoming less catholic, which was one of the bigger sources of trouble(s). The fact that NI has the right to call a referendum at will certainly makes this a likely outcome within the next half century or so.

Brexit will probably accelerate this process, as it’s impossible for London to completely break with EU trade policy, not put up a tariff border between England and NI, and respect the Good Friday agreement. It’s a “pick two” kind of situation. Given that a hard break with EU trade policy has the biggest constituency, it seems likely that the other outcome will do nothing but accelerate the process of Irish unification.