Can anyone tell me why the DUP are so hellbent on Brexit....

[Oakenbeach]

.... even if that means we crash out in 31 October? It seems to make no sense for a party whose overriding top priority and raison d’etre is the remain in the UK... Don’t they see this that a no-deal Brexit is the biggest threat to the union for NI in a century? It seems totally insane, far more so even than the mainland British no-dealers! What am I missing?

@Sakura7 , it's my experience talking to my mum - born 1930s - that generally, yes, they want NI. But generally not gung ho, at all costs. And the evidence of the GFA referendum. Peace and prosperity is the key wish.

@LifeContinues
The DUP have never had any electoral support in Ireland with anyone ever. They have support with a sizable minority in Northern Ireland.

"Which is why the WA was rejected. So how do you solve the cross border trade between NI and ROI?"
It was principally rejected because the rest of the UK would be tied in for a couple of years. Because of the redline pretending that NI (which has different rules on civil rights stuff) is "just the same".

@LifeContinues - Which is why the WA was rejected. So how do you solve the cross border trade between NI and ROI?

I feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall here. I have explained to you on another thread that it can only be resolved by going with the WA, changing the UK red lines, or abandoning brexit. There is no magic wand. There is no technical solution in existence than can be used at present.

bellinisurge Indeed, it's not a top priority but if/when the situation arises, a UI will be supported by the majority of Irish people. I don't think it's fair to jump down someone's throat for making a reasonable assumption that most Irish people are in favour of a UI.

@bellinisurge
I think a referendum on a United Ireland would be nuanced. They would try to find an acceptable solution and then hold the referendum. It would only be held in such a way that it would pass.

@Sakura7 , I'm sorry if you think I am jumping down @LifeContinues throat. But they have spent days posting No Deal nonsense and wilfully misunderstanding the complex question of NI. And so, there is only so much patience you can have with that.
I am flabbergasted that someone who claims to be so knowledgeable about all things Brexit (not you @Sakura7 ) can be so I'll informed about the consequences for NI.

I should add that Enda Kenny, the then Irish PM/Taoiseach tried to warn/advice Cameron about the blunt Brexit referendum.

No @Lambbuffet , Catholic here btw, what they are saying is that equal marriage and the right to choose are the law of the land in most of the UK. If DUPers want to be part of the UK, they should accept civil rights norms that apply in the UK

And in Ireland. OK I know abortion hasn't been completely sorted but the 8th was repealed by a huge majority.

it can only be resolved by going with the WA, changing the UK red lines, or abandoning brexit

WA does not work as open ended on the border issue.

Abandoning Brexit turns back Democracy back to the times when only the wealthy elite could vote.

So that leaves the red lines.

Which red lines should change?

@Inniu , I have little doubt that a referendum in Ireland on (re)unification would be in favour of getting NI back. But it is quite shocking that No Dealers don't get the complexities.
They think it is all about Remainers being mean and stamping on the will of the people because Remainers are all metropolitan elitists who "don't understand " the People.
No, dear No Dealers, it's because GFA is a delicate balancing act that, contrary to all experience, actually works. And No Deal messes with it.

posting No Deal nonsense and wilfully misunderstanding the complex question of NI

I agree that No deal is not the best option, but seems likely at the moment. Not wilfully misunderstanding the NI subject, just don't have the same knowledge as someone who is from Ireland

{The port referred to by LeClerc would only deal with trade between NI and roUK. NI would need to remain within the CU and the SM.}

Yes, NI would remain in CU/SM for the duration. It is part of the EU 'no deal' plan. Although DUP and others might oppose it, sanctions brought against them by the EU/USA or others would change the balance of power. Despite the bollocks spouted by many in the UK government, the UK is on the back foot and will ultimately be told what it is going to get, if it can't be bothered to negotiate properly.
A United Ireland may come about in 30 years or so, possibly earlier it can only be speculation, but to attach the decision onto Brexit would be impossible.

Which red line should change? The one where we are treated the same as NI for NI sake.

@LifeContinues , I'm not from Ireland as other more knowledgeable posters on here will tell you. But I knew from day 1 that GFA was a problem- talked about it on here all the time. It is literally the only thing stopping Brexit. And it can be fixed with an agreement on a border in the sea so that NI can continue to work and trade with Ireland as it does now.

It is actually in DUP interest to have NI as a special economic zone with all the advantages to the local economy that this brings. It makes (re)unification less attractive.

bellinisurge ok fair enough, wasn't aware of that poster's history.

The answer to the Brexit question has to be a general election. Hopefully the DUP will lose their stranglehold on Parliament and then the WA can pass. Most sensible people here in Northern Ireland are able to see the economic advantage that a border in the Irish Sea can bring.
A PP was correct in surmising the DUP's current position is probably financially beneficial to them. Follow the money

@Yewtown and anyone else who has mentioned financial incentives for the DUP to have a no deal Brexit - from who/where/how/why is this money coming????

Btw when you're talking about 'Irish' or 'Ireland', can you please take care to distinguish between Northern Ireland and Ireland in your posts as they are NOT one and the same and have very very very different cultures, history, politics and views on things.

And just to say, I'm Irish (NOT NI) and the last thing I would want now would be a United Ireland. Who wants backwards DUP supporters and similar to be part of our electorate?

I feel and a very great many other Irish people feel that a United Ireland (UI) would be a step backwards for Ireland, when we are finally progressing and prospering as a country.

Thump
It is very difficult, particularly being born English, to be involved in any discussion about Ireland as the whole situation is so highly charged.
The decision must be made by the residents alone.
I am not suggesting for a moment that there should be a united Ireland, but I doubt the DUP would survive long if there was unity. Their views, as the 'party of NO' would be dissipated.
The politics and fortunes of the UK is about to change radically, so sitting it out, wherever possible is the safest option.

{(UI) would be a step backwards for Ireland, when we are finally progressing and prospering as a country.}

As with German reunification, I would have at least some faith that the EU would be able to help smooth the transition, although a lot of negotiations would be necessary. As I said, a project for later.