< Transition Ireland >
First, Establish The Nation
It is evident from this scenario that we must know in advance how people are going to vote before they vote. How do we do that? We must condition the People to accept the proposition of a single state and to vote in favour when given the opportunity.
How do you condition the people? There are several aspects to this initiative. Obviously, force is no longer an option; those days are done.
The first thing we do is impress upon the people of Ireland at every opportunity the nostrum that a New Ireland is the first priority of the nation.
• Take possession of what is ours, that is, the whole island.
We do this by spreading our cultural influence to every corner of Ireland, from Ballyhaunis to Ballymacarratt, from Portumna to Portrush. This means setting up, without apology to anyone, Irish language schools, GAA football, camogie and hurling teams, other sports where we excel and are inclusive such as rugby; dance & traditional music events; use every opportunity to take to the streets and the media on national holidays, festivals, sports events, and celebrate who we are. The joy of people celebrating their life and their country is contagious.
• The end of a historical tragedy
Make sure that all broadcasting media, newspapers, on-line fora etc constantly remind consumers of the benefits to the economy, to our international reputation and to the national psyche of the final achievement of peace and national integrity.
• Use of the Diaspora
The vast number of Irish people living abroad is a treasure-trove and an indispensable constituent of our national push towards unity. Aside from being a source of funds to shore up our efforts, the goodwill, influence and accumulated wisdom of the Irish Abroad will ensure that our initiatives at home are franked in the corridors of power overseas.
Take every opportunity to remind Unionists that their project ('Northern Ireland') is dead and has no future. This, in turn, will constrain Unionists to make a choice about their future. Either they throw in their lot with the rest of us and embark on the journey to make the best of Ireland in the world, or they quit the island and go and live in their spiritual home whether that be England, Scotland, Wales or elsewhere.
Much of the spadework has to be done in the North, in Unionist areas. This is where organisations such as Ireland's Future - a non-governmental organisation - has an advantage.
Progress will require recruiting Influencers - not necessarily sympathetic MPs/MLAs - but sports people (eg. Rugby, GAA), Union leaders, farming representatives, business, film/TV/theatre personalities etc; less insular people who are willing to talk.
This, in turn, will demand that the pro-Ireland ambassadors be trusted, thus effectively ruling out some existing political party leadership.
It will be helpful if these ambassadors (are known to) hold conservative values on social issues.