‘ENGLAND’S difficulty is Ireland’s opportunity’ has been a well-worn phrase within Irish nationalism since the days of Daniel O’Connell.

But is that always true?

Not necessarily.

The interconnectedness of the two nations is multilayered, which is why the UK leaving the EU was and remains an all-too-real threat to Ireland’s economic well-being.

In militant republicanism, the saying has been rehashed on many occasions. Most of which were fruitless – particularly amongst those nationalist fanatics who even sought a dalliance with Hitler and Nazism during WWII.

But in truth a political and constitutional crisis in Britain may lead to a calamity in the north, especially in terms of stability.

Yes, as Matthew O’Toole eloquently articulated recently, the prospect of Reform in government may assist in having a mature debate with sensible voices within unionism who want no truck with the societal upheaval that Farage and his cronies are bringing.

Initial signals from political unionism (with the notable and praiseworthy exception of Mike Nesbitt) are that they would throw their lot in with Reform.

In fact, some seem overly eager, like joyous lemmings heading for the cliff. (Just like the less-than-centrist UUP are doing in trying to deselect Doug Beattie for being too moderate).

Mainly what drives this nonsensical and doomed false hope by unionists is the annoyance (and horror) Reform obviously cause within Sinn Féin, the SDLP and other nationalists.

Like petulant children,........

© The Irish News