Unionism, identity and irish unity: Paradigms, problems and paradoxes

Abstract

This article explores unionist concerns about Irish unity and asks what forms of Irish unity might accommodate those concerns. It also explores the concept of accommodation and the status of unionist fears-do they concern physical or ontological security? Thus the article is concerned with paradigms of thought, the conditions of accommodation, respect and recognition, the nature and meaning of identity, as well as with the institutional and constitutional forms of a possible future united Ireland. It attempts to free a discursive space away from identity politics and to open a wider range of constitutional futures to negotiation and informed choice.