To help the persuadables, enabling works are required to show the benefits of unity, within Northern Ireland. Ɓread and butter issues are uppermost in many peoples minds on a daily basis. Here’s the strategic rationale for framing “united Northern Ireland” ahead of broader Irish unity aspirations which may or may not provide further overall benefits and wellbeing to the people on the island of Ireland:

Practical and Strategic Benefits of This Framing

1. Immediate Deliverability
Nothing new and significant has been built in Northern Ireland since the GFA signed. People have seen no PHYSICAL peace dividend and only hear complaints that no money exists. Focusing on Northern Ireland’s internal connectivity avoids constitutional questions, as a pause, for now. Infrastructure projects like the A5, Casement Park, Ballynahinch Bypass, Enniskillen Bypass, Soccer Training Centre, Windsor Upgrading and Strangford Lough Crossing, all these schemes fall within devolved competencies – they can be pursued, funded, and delivered through existing governmental structures without requiring constitutional change. People need to see tangible, usable progress which improves their lives and well-being.

2. Alignment with Shared Island Initiative
This approach complements Ireland’s Shared Island initiative, which emphasizes practical cooperation and mutual benefit. By addressing Northern Ireland’s internal connectivity, you’re advancing shared prosperity goals that bridge communities, without political controversy.

3. Testing Ground for Respect and Cooperation
Infrastructure projects offer a practical opportunity to demonstrate that all communities and traditions can be respected while working toward shared benefits. When tangible improvements – better wages, enhanced connectivity, improved services – actually materialize for everyone, it reduces fears and builds trust through lived experience rather than political promises.

4. Building Consensus Across Divisions
The “united Northern Ireland” framing transcends traditional political divisions. Everyone benefits from improved infrastructure, reduced travel times, better emergency access, and economic development. These projects address tangible quality-of-life issues that unite rather than divide. In reality, these projecrs will not convince everyone, just the undecided, in a democratic and peaceful way.

5. Economic Foundation Building
The SLC context. The Ards Peninsula has Northern Ireland’s lowest median wages. Addressing regional economic imbalances and improving connectivity now builds economic foundations and reduces subsidy dependency – creating a stronger, more self-sufficient region regardless of future constitutional arrangements.

6. Proving the Model
Successfully delivering projects that respect all traditions while generating real, measurable benefits – reduced travel times, economic growth, improved healthcare access – demonstrates what cooperation can achieve. This evidence-based approach addresses skepticism and fear with practical results that communities can see and experience.

7. Avoiding Constitutional Gridlock
Leading with a somewhat aggressive Irish unity debate and border poll chatter is immediately polarizing Northern Ireland along constitutional lines. The “internal affairs” approach allows infrastructure to proceed on its merits, gaining support across the political spectrum.

8. Sequential Logic
A genuinely united Northern Ireland – physically connected with shared infrastructure and economic opportunity – naturally supports broader cooperation. It addresses practical realities while building the integration that underpins any future discussions.

This approach follows the principle: build the bridges first, both literally and metaphorically, and let the benefits speak for themselves. Those open to change and willing to accept change may be convinced and not remain undecided.