Mick
@mickmca32.bsky.social
Widowed father of three living in Co Armagh
Reposted by Mick
For those interested, this recent report goes into more detail on the potential costs of reunification in Ireland.
seeing that there is more chat about reunification in Ireland, post brexit, this might interest some.
TL;DR: brexit accidentally gave us a preview of what reunification might mean, economically. And it looks really good!
We're calling it a "Sochar Brexit"!
("brexit benefit" in Irish)
🧵
TL;DR: brexit accidentally gave us a preview of what reunification might mean, economically. And it looks really good!
We're calling it a "Sochar Brexit"!
("brexit benefit" in Irish)
🧵
October 23, 2025 at 8:27 AM
For those interested, this recent report goes into more detail on the potential costs of reunification in Ireland.
Reposted by Mick
Here's the full programme.
In english and intended for a German audience, the explanations are kept very simple & clear.
It's a great explainer for those curious to what's going on.
This is a direct consequence of brexit btw. We didn't expect this for another 25 years.
7/7
In english and intended for a German audience, the explanations are kept very simple & clear.
It's a great explainer for those curious to what's going on.
This is a direct consequence of brexit btw. We didn't expect this for another 25 years.
7/7
Myths and realities of Irish reunification | DW News
YouTube video by DW News
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Here's the full programme.
In english and intended for a German audience, the explanations are kept very simple & clear.
It's a great explainer for those curious to what's going on.
This is a direct consequence of brexit btw. We didn't expect this for another 25 years.
7/7
In english and intended for a German audience, the explanations are kept very simple & clear.
It's a great explainer for those curious to what's going on.
This is a direct consequence of brexit btw. We didn't expect this for another 25 years.
7/7
Reposted by Mick
How will pensions work post reunification?
UK already pays state pensions to those who live abroad. As tax revenue shifts from London to Dublin that is expected to change for NI pensions.
6/7
UK already pays state pensions to those who live abroad. As tax revenue shifts from London to Dublin that is expected to change for NI pensions.
6/7
October 22, 2025 at 5:16 PM
How will pensions work post reunification?
UK already pays state pensions to those who live abroad. As tax revenue shifts from London to Dublin that is expected to change for NI pensions.
6/7
UK already pays state pensions to those who live abroad. As tax revenue shifts from London to Dublin that is expected to change for NI pensions.
6/7
Reposted by Mick
What about the NHS health service?
The Irish health system is not perfect but is performing much better than the NHS in NI. the expectation is an island-wide healthcare system combinging the best of both.
5/7
The Irish health system is not perfect but is performing much better than the NHS in NI. the expectation is an island-wide healthcare system combinging the best of both.
5/7
October 22, 2025 at 5:16 PM
What about the NHS health service?
The Irish health system is not perfect but is performing much better than the NHS in NI. the expectation is an island-wide healthcare system combinging the best of both.
5/7
The Irish health system is not perfect but is performing much better than the NHS in NI. the expectation is an island-wide healthcare system combinging the best of both.
5/7
Reposted by Mick
How does it compare to German Reunification?
Irish Reunification will not be as expensive or as difficult as Germany. Both NI & Ireland are operating the same economic model & EU regulations/rules.
Brexit accidentally gave us a sneak preview into an All-Ireland economy and it looks good.
4/7
Irish Reunification will not be as expensive or as difficult as Germany. Both NI & Ireland are operating the same economic model & EU regulations/rules.
Brexit accidentally gave us a sneak preview into an All-Ireland economy and it looks good.
4/7
October 22, 2025 at 5:16 PM
How does it compare to German Reunification?
Irish Reunification will not be as expensive or as difficult as Germany. Both NI & Ireland are operating the same economic model & EU regulations/rules.
Brexit accidentally gave us a sneak preview into an All-Ireland economy and it looks good.
4/7
Irish Reunification will not be as expensive or as difficult as Germany. Both NI & Ireland are operating the same economic model & EU regulations/rules.
Brexit accidentally gave us a sneak preview into an All-Ireland economy and it looks good.
4/7
Reposted by Mick
There are two main models available for Reunification:
1. Full integration (preferred option)
2. NI remains as a devolved region but inside Ireland, instead of the UK*
*Article 15 of the Irish constitution allows for this and could be used in a transition stage to full reunification.
3/7
1. Full integration (preferred option)
2. NI remains as a devolved region but inside Ireland, instead of the UK*
*Article 15 of the Irish constitution allows for this and could be used in a transition stage to full reunification.
3/7
October 22, 2025 at 5:16 PM
There are two main models available for Reunification:
1. Full integration (preferred option)
2. NI remains as a devolved region but inside Ireland, instead of the UK*
*Article 15 of the Irish constitution allows for this and could be used in a transition stage to full reunification.
3/7
1. Full integration (preferred option)
2. NI remains as a devolved region but inside Ireland, instead of the UK*
*Article 15 of the Irish constitution allows for this and could be used in a transition stage to full reunification.
3/7
Reposted by Mick
What is the process for reunification?
The Good Friday (aka Belfast) Agreement keeps the UK bound to calling Border Poll referenda in NI & Ireland for reunification when polls suggest a positive outcome.
The expectation for that to happen is within a few years.
2/7
The Good Friday (aka Belfast) Agreement keeps the UK bound to calling Border Poll referenda in NI & Ireland for reunification when polls suggest a positive outcome.
The expectation for that to happen is within a few years.
2/7
October 22, 2025 at 5:16 PM
What is the process for reunification?
The Good Friday (aka Belfast) Agreement keeps the UK bound to calling Border Poll referenda in NI & Ireland for reunification when polls suggest a positive outcome.
The expectation for that to happen is within a few years.
2/7
The Good Friday (aka Belfast) Agreement keeps the UK bound to calling Border Poll referenda in NI & Ireland for reunification when polls suggest a positive outcome.
The expectation for that to happen is within a few years.
2/7
Reposted by Mick
for those interested, German broadcaster DW had a special recently, looking at the different options, comparing it to Germany and potential pitfalls. 👇
(in English)
(in English)
German public broadcaster DW produced a special programme recently focussing on Reunification in Ireland, because of brexit.
A quick 🧵on some of the key questions raised with Professor Brendan O'Leary and a link to the full piece.
The 3 main misconceptions about Reunification in Ireland.
A quick 🧵on some of the key questions raised with Professor Brendan O'Leary and a link to the full piece.
The 3 main misconceptions about Reunification in Ireland.
February 1, 2026 at 4:35 PM
for those interested, German broadcaster DW had a special recently, looking at the different options, comparing it to Germany and potential pitfalls. 👇
(in English)
(in English)
Reposted by Mick
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill: "I think we should have a border poll by 2030"
Border poll = a vote on Irish reunification.
Border poll = a vote on Irish reunification.
February 1, 2026 at 10:42 AM
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill: "I think we should have a border poll by 2030"
Border poll = a vote on Irish reunification.
Border poll = a vote on Irish reunification.
Reposted by Mick
With Kevin Warsh at the Fed, will Trump do a Lula? Or will another scenario prevail?
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
February 3, 2026 at 12:37 PM
With Kevin Warsh at the Fed, will Trump do a Lula? Or will another scenario prevail?
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Mick
I remember his first resignation, in 1998 over the undeclared mortgage loan from Geoffrey Robinson, and it was so obvious this was someone who desperately wanted a lifestyle beyond his means and was made giddy by contact with the super-rich
February 2, 2026 at 5:53 PM
I remember his first resignation, in 1998 over the undeclared mortgage loan from Geoffrey Robinson, and it was so obvious this was someone who desperately wanted a lifestyle beyond his means and was made giddy by contact with the super-rich
Reposted by Mick
There are aliens on the opposite side of the galaxy who could spot that Mandelson was dodgy
Note to Starmer-stans: if we all knew Mandelson was dodgy, he should have, even if he wasn’t in parliament in 2009.
February 2, 2026 at 5:27 PM
There are aliens on the opposite side of the galaxy who could spot that Mandelson was dodgy
Reposted by Mick
Why isn't this a major news story?
February 2, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Why isn't this a major news story?
Reposted by Mick
Very much looking forward to this conversation in Banbridge Town Hall with Prof John Doyle DCU.
A good moment for serious evidence-based reflection on a better way forward for our shared island.
A good moment for serious evidence-based reflection on a better way forward for our shared island.
January 24, 2026 at 11:01 AM
Very much looking forward to this conversation in Banbridge Town Hall with Prof John Doyle DCU.
A good moment for serious evidence-based reflection on a better way forward for our shared island.
A good moment for serious evidence-based reflection on a better way forward for our shared island.
Reposted by Mick
Rinne mé crosóg Bhríde sa rang Gaeilge an tseachtain seo caite, from pipecleaners.
Had always wanted to know how to make one, but it was never around me.
Gathered rushes from the bottom of my road then and made my own. Such a small, simple thing, but it made me incredibly happy.
Had always wanted to know how to make one, but it was never around me.
Gathered rushes from the bottom of my road then and made my own. Such a small, simple thing, but it made me incredibly happy.
February 2, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Rinne mé crosóg Bhríde sa rang Gaeilge an tseachtain seo caite, from pipecleaners.
Had always wanted to know how to make one, but it was never around me.
Gathered rushes from the bottom of my road then and made my own. Such a small, simple thing, but it made me incredibly happy.
Had always wanted to know how to make one, but it was never around me.
Gathered rushes from the bottom of my road then and made my own. Such a small, simple thing, but it made me incredibly happy.
Reposted by Mick
Around Banbridge tomorrow night? I will be in the Town Hall at 7pm, with Prof Colin Harvey @cjharvey1.bsky.social of QUB. Talking about my research on the UK subvention and the possible economic costs and benefits of a united Ireland. Report here
all-islandeconomy.com/analysing-th...
all-islandeconomy.com/analysing-th...
February 3, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Around Banbridge tomorrow night? I will be in the Town Hall at 7pm, with Prof Colin Harvey @cjharvey1.bsky.social of QUB. Talking about my research on the UK subvention and the possible economic costs and benefits of a united Ireland. Report here
all-islandeconomy.com/analysing-th...
all-islandeconomy.com/analysing-th...
Reposted by Mick
Making plans for St. Patrick's Day? Include a little reading and myth-busting in your preparations, and spread the word that it's time for Irish Unity! Find resources and information here: sinnfein.ie/irish-unity/
February 2, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Making plans for St. Patrick's Day? Include a little reading and myth-busting in your preparations, and spread the word that it's time for Irish Unity! Find resources and information here: sinnfein.ie/irish-unity/
Reposted by Mick
What happens when a diverse group of 100+ women from all over Ireland discuss Irish Unity? Find out in the latest ARINS Podcast: Beyond Identity. (Hint: they want Government to foster grassroots participation in political and constitutional discussion.) www.ria.ie/audio/arins-...
ARINS Podcast 48: Beyond Identity: how deliberation can reframe constitutional debate - Royal Irish Academy
www.ria.ie
February 3, 2026 at 10:13 PM
What happens when a diverse group of 100+ women from all over Ireland discuss Irish Unity? Find out in the latest ARINS Podcast: Beyond Identity. (Hint: they want Government to foster grassroots participation in political and constitutional discussion.) www.ria.ie/audio/arins-...
Reposted by Mick
Longtime Indiana Republican state Rep. Ed Clere says he's leaving the party to be an independent because he “can’t in good conscience continue to run as a Republican” and that the party has become “unrecognizable” under President Donald Trump.
Indiana Republicans break with longtime state Rep. Clere, who plans to go independent
Indiana Rep. Ed Clere announced last week he would not seek reelection as a Republican state lawmaker.
www.lpm.org
February 3, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Longtime Indiana Republican state Rep. Ed Clere says he's leaving the party to be an independent because he “can’t in good conscience continue to run as a Republican” and that the party has become “unrecognizable” under President Donald Trump.
Reposted by Mick
Rep. @aoc.bsky.social :
"Why haven't so many people been prosecuted? Why are Pam Bondi & DOJ hiding the majority of the Epstein files? We need to get to the bottom if it. It doesn't matter if you're Republican, Dem.. We're talking about sexual crimes and trafficking."
"Why haven't so many people been prosecuted? Why are Pam Bondi & DOJ hiding the majority of the Epstein files? We need to get to the bottom if it. It doesn't matter if you're Republican, Dem.. We're talking about sexual crimes and trafficking."
February 3, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Rep. @aoc.bsky.social :
"Why haven't so many people been prosecuted? Why are Pam Bondi & DOJ hiding the majority of the Epstein files? We need to get to the bottom if it. It doesn't matter if you're Republican, Dem.. We're talking about sexual crimes and trafficking."
"Why haven't so many people been prosecuted? Why are Pam Bondi & DOJ hiding the majority of the Epstein files? We need to get to the bottom if it. It doesn't matter if you're Republican, Dem.. We're talking about sexual crimes and trafficking."
Reposted by Mick
You couldn’t make this stuff up. Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman accidentally voted with Labour to abolish the two-child benefit cap tonight after entering the wrong lobby!
February 3, 2026 at 10:23 PM
You couldn’t make this stuff up. Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman accidentally voted with Labour to abolish the two-child benefit cap tonight after entering the wrong lobby!
Reposted by Mick
The US immigrant population generated more in taxes than they received in benefits from all levels of government every year from 1994 to 2023.
The Cato study provides the first-ever 30-year analysis of the fiscal effects of immigration on government budgets.
https://ow.ly/jy8a50Y8kM3
The Cato study provides the first-ever 30-year analysis of the fiscal effects of immigration on government budgets.
https://ow.ly/jy8a50Y8kM3
February 3, 2026 at 5:27 PM
The US immigrant population generated more in taxes than they received in benefits from all levels of government every year from 1994 to 2023.
The Cato study provides the first-ever 30-year analysis of the fiscal effects of immigration on government budgets.
https://ow.ly/jy8a50Y8kM3
The Cato study provides the first-ever 30-year analysis of the fiscal effects of immigration on government budgets.
https://ow.ly/jy8a50Y8kM3
Reposted by Mick
The UN Charter outlaws armed aggression against another country. The Constitution of Ireland commits our country to abide by this rule.
That's why we have a law saying members of our DF can only be ordered into a foreign battlefield if the UN okays it.
Govt wants to change that to please .. someone.
That's why we have a law saying members of our DF can only be ordered into a foreign battlefield if the UN okays it.
Govt wants to change that to please .. someone.
January 30, 2026 at 10:53 AM
The UN Charter outlaws armed aggression against another country. The Constitution of Ireland commits our country to abide by this rule.
That's why we have a law saying members of our DF can only be ordered into a foreign battlefield if the UN okays it.
Govt wants to change that to please .. someone.
That's why we have a law saying members of our DF can only be ordered into a foreign battlefield if the UN okays it.
Govt wants to change that to please .. someone.
Reposted by Mick
every epstein file drop underscores how elite power operates through shared socio-economic networks, regardless of people's ideological differences, populist posturing, or public feuds
January 30, 2026 at 11:58 PM
every epstein file drop underscores how elite power operates through shared socio-economic networks, regardless of people's ideological differences, populist posturing, or public feuds
Reposted by Mick
At the @museumfreederry.bsky.social for anniversary of Bloody Sunday with @finucanecentre.bsky.social for @humanrightsfirst.org with @suchitauppal.bsky.social to talk about Soldier F legal costs #speirgorm
The Pat Finucane Centre @finucanecentre.bsky.social and @humanrightsfirst.org talk about 'Public Funding of Soldier F's Legal Defence' this afternoon @museumfreederry.bsky.social @dooleydooley.bsky.social @suchitauppal.bsky.social
February 1, 2026 at 3:03 PM
At the @museumfreederry.bsky.social for anniversary of Bloody Sunday with @finucanecentre.bsky.social for @humanrightsfirst.org with @suchitauppal.bsky.social to talk about Soldier F legal costs #speirgorm