Asking Northern Irish people if they want a united Ireland

We took to the streets of Belfast to ask Northern Irish people for their views on Irish unification and what they would think of Northern Ireland leaving the UK.

Reporter: Ryan Carrick
Camera: Enda Coll

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[ericaceous]

The older guy is right though that any vote needs to be a vote on a set out plan, not a vote on a simple yes or no with the details to be hashed out later (a la Brexit)

[cg]

Ask people about a united ireland. Goes to belfast...asks four people. Great story joe.

[agaw]

I used to live in Belfast for almost 2 years. I have a huge fondness for this city and NI in general. Wonderful memories, great people. Still fly in from time to time to visit familiar corners, meet with friends, climb Cave Hill and admire the Belfast skyline and the obligatory walk from Whiterocks Beach up to the Giant Causeway.
Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best.
much love from polish girl.😊

[robertgoulty]

As an Englishman I would say take the opportunity to leave the UK and become a part of a United Ireland. The UK is going downhill now with no sign of any form of recovery.

[tomwilson]

The UK has never cared about the North. The people and government. The North is a political football.

[porcupineinapettingzoo]

Thank you for not just interviewing whoever has the most Rangers or Celtic tattoos, the extremes get way too much attention in the media.

[rochellepaws]

It seems like the united Ireland question is becoming less about identity and more about the practical issues

[carlcassidy]

First bloke saying people today didn't grow up with what he grew up with, and then the young woman who was 3rd confirmed it "we just don't care about that stuff" is exactly the progress I've been waiting for since 1998 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 the generation who didn't grow up with violence and division will be the ones to truly change NornIron. My generation saw the tail end of the conflict, but still saw some pretty bad things such as Armagh, a lot of hurt and pain remained for those in NI, so perhaps couldn't move past it as easily

[albertdong]

As a Scotsman from the Highlands (no West Coast mindset) I can only say some of the best holidays and times of my life have been had in Northern Ireland (and the Republic!!)....there's nothing else like Northern Irish hospitality mixed with a wicked sense of humour and a directness of majority of NI people I've encountered also had a very easy going outlook on life - at least that was my experience.

All I can say is that the issue of a United Ireland needs to be treated with the utmost care and respect for all sides - it would be unforgivable to see Northern Ireland slide back into divison and hate because politicians were too lazy to talk and understand.

[badgersgetabadname]

Many here in NI used to reply to the reunification question is what about the NHS..
That is now no longer a factor

[captainsceptic]

Fair point. Uniting does not mean assimilating. I am kind of ashamed I never looked at it that way.

[TonyM]

I used to think that we needed a united ireland ….as I get older I think we need a united people.

[markwood]

the demographic reality of Northern Ireland is changing. It is no longer a Protestant majority, but it's also not (or marginally, if it is) a big Catholic majority either. What it is though, is a connected, young population who want to be highly mobile, who want to be citizens of the world. People want to go about their lives with happiness and with optimism. Maybe this generation will be the one which redefines the arguments.

[rosemariewalsh]

Speaking as a southern Irish person, who in their right mind is going to volunteer to pay 55 euros for a doctor's appointment when you can have free medical care. Utter madness!

[PeterFlanagan]

Personally as an Irishman I don’t care what they decide to do but feel we should accommodate them either way. However I don’t personally think the times right just yet. I would prefer to see ni get more devolved powers and align their economic strategy more with the south and take advantage of the dual market access they have in order to mitigate the gaps they have economically with the south.

[eevrnnf]

Ireland north and south have become a wonderful example to world values and have contributed to a long waited strategy of peace. The young generation of today understand the pain of their parents and the generations before. It's time to make it right.

[randomname]

Far more measured responses than I was expecting - good on them for their sober reflection, I hope most people in NI are like that - most I've met have been lovely, from either community

[lorcan]

Tbf 2/4 guys in a black northface puffer jacket is pretty accurate demographics wise in ireland

[tkjjcpx]

Glad to see basically no weird fervor about this issue from the (admittedly small) sample of people. Wishing you all the best, and be sure not to rush into anything for sentimental reasons. Status quos can be underrated. - An Irish-American resident of Taiwan.

[kriissyyify]

You're about to see an influx of people give an opinion on an issue they don't know nothing about and a country they could barely tell you the capital of.