What is the current problem in Northern Ireland that was triggered by Brexxit?

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I dont understand why brexxit should change anything for NI.

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Anonymous 0 Comments

The premise of the Good Friday Agreement was that Northern Ireland could be simultaneously a part of the UK and open to free movement of people and goods from the Republic of Ireland. This was possible because both were members of the EU and had the same regulations for goods. This satisfied both Loyalists (those in Northern Ireland who have political and cultural ties to the United Kingdom who are predominantly Protestant) and Republicans (those who want a union between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, mostly Catholics). Neither side had to choose one or the other because they were part of a larger political structure that allowed free movement.

Brexit broke this agreement by making the border meaningful again. If the UK allows free movement between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, it is taking the Republican position by treating Northern Ireland differently than the rest of the UK, especially since that puts customs barriers in the North Sea between Britain and Ireland. But if they allow free movement between Northern Ireland and Britain that requires checks on the land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic which supports the Loyalist position and provides a tangible target in the form of customs checkpoints which were often flashpoints during the Troubles.

Most Irish on both sides, especially younger people, do not want a return of the border conflict, although there are still plenty of militants on both sides still active and under the Good Friday Agreement they stored weapons instead of destroying them, making a real possibility of the return to terrorist attacks from both sides.

The current negotiations between the EU, UK, and Republic of Ireland are trying to find a solution that has minimal friction across the border so that they don’t return to conflict and they can respect both sides in Northern Ireland.

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