A light-touch border on the island of Ireland is the only politically practical option

1 Aug 2017 10:49 AM

After suggestions this week that there could be a sea border around the island of Ireland, Open Europe argues that it is difficult to imagine an alternative to some form of border on the island of Ireland, but that this should be kept to the bare minimum through the implementation of a ‘light-touch’ border.

Irish concerns about a border for goods on the island of Ireland are understandable considering the history on the island. However, if the underlying intention is to protect the peace process, as stated, displacing the border (be it to the perimeter of the British Isles or to the Irish Sea) would not achieve this. Instead, either suggestion would cause significant tension in Northern Ireland, and would threaten to undermine the stability of the current political situation.

Full article on Open Europe’s website