And as its web site puts it:
“Current Mission and Role:
Economic priorities and the needs of companies have changed radically over the past 17 years, and JBC in its strategy must reflect these changes and adjust its strategic priorities accordingly.
- Providing a single business voice for the island of Ireland in policy formulation
- Providing a challenge function to public sector policy, including Government and state agencies, where there is an all island dimension of interest to both business communities
- Providing a high level all island business network and acting as a bridge to greater mutual understanding and as a means of increasing North South business flows
- Providing strategic leadership around global business and competitiveness issues from an all island perspective
- Deepening the JBC remit beyond the east coast corridor and also building on JBC work to date on strengthening the East-West dimension
- Facilitating mutual understanding and development of partnerships between SME’s north and south.”
A more pan-nationalist manifesto could barely be written. And it goes further:
- “JBC focuses on developing all-island people issues including skills, training and education, employment, social cohesion and labour mobility.
- Developing all-island infrastructure is a key priority and includes logistics, supply chain, environment, energy and telecommunications.
- JBC works to deliver all-island innovation, technology, entrepreneurship/social entrepreneurship and R&D.
- JBC collaborates with a number of partners and organisations to strengthen its work and influence on all-island business issues.”
And they clearly see the border as a hindrance and increasingly as an irrelevance. Their statements are a million miles from the politically-inspired nonsense about Northern Ireland being better off in the UK. The JBC wants the economies north and south to be increasingly integrated and interwoven. And where economies go, there also goes governance.
The business world is not ‘unionist’ in the traditional sense – it does not seek to erect a barrier at the border and pretend that the south is ‘a foreign country’. Quite the opposite – it sees north and south as one logical unit, and its power and influence will ensure that this view becomes increasingly the norm. Unionist politicians, who depend upon business for contributions, will increasingly have to accept that reality or risk losing their financial support.
The task for nationalists is to facilitate this new reality, and to understand that the business world of today is radically different to that of the shipyards, the linen mills and Mackies. Business not longer means unionist, and so the default position of many nationalists, anti-business pseudo-socialism, needs to be revised and jettisoned. Ireland will be united by its people, of course, but not in a “32 County Socialist Republic” – that is a nonsense that needs to be dropped. The new Ireland will be a social-democratic republic in which business will play a vital role in ensuring high living standards. Nationalists need to recognise this and change their rhetoric to match the reality. Business is an ally not an enemy, and will help to accelerate and facilitate the reunification of our country.
42 comments:
Please define a social-democratic republic. What does that mean?
'The new Ireland will be a social-democratic republic in which business will play a vital role in ensuring high living standards.'
No, the hypothetical 'new Ireland' will be a deeply unstable polity with a sizeable proportion of people in a disruptive degree of open revolt.
And all power to them. I think the words 'our country' really sum up the attitude of Irish nationalists, namely that the entire island is somehow their property and everybody else has to live by their rules and their sovereignty.
Sorry chum, ain't gonna work like that. Nationalists got what they were entitled to back in 1921 - and the borders of the Irish Republic will remain as constituted in 1921.
Horseman,
Boy, Oh, Boy, a democratic response.
Struck a raw nerve there.
Andy must be back to keep us in line.
"with a sizeable proportion of people in a disruptive degree of open revolt."
Sorry chum, just about describes the North of Ireland since its foundation until lately.
The nation that we aspire to will be democratic and cherish all its citizens equally.
MPG .....
'Andy must be back to keep us in line.'
Nah, the Parachute Regiment did a pretty good job of that.
'Sorry chum, just about describes the North of Ireland since its foundation until lately.'
Well, that's Irish republicanism for you. Totally unable to accept a compromise.
'The nation that we aspire to will be democratic and cherish all its citizens equally.'
Course it will. A country that has just spent thousands replacing the statue of Nazi sympathiser Sean Russell is just the sort of society Unionists are gagging to join - NOT!!
Irish republicanism: A sick ideology that has only ever advanced through violence and terrorism.
Same old, same old b/sh1t.
But in the end democracy will win out. Come the day----50%+1. The compromises will be reached within a UI. And then you and your ilk can huff and BLUFF.
I would say stay out of the kitchen if you cant stick the heat. The back woods are beckoning!
MPG .....
Interesting as ever, Horseman. I'm not so sure that you can equate support for the all-Ireland economy with support for reunification. There's a very interesting article in today's Irish Times Innovation supplement. It's an interview with a University of Ulster academic who is pretty gung-ho about the all-island economy but who suggests that it doesn't depend on all-island political structures. Indeed, he suggests scrapping those so as to take the sting out of the 'Trojan horse' arguments of doubtful Unionists. And of course, one can have business interests on both sides of the Border and still remain true to a Unionist/British identity. Ask John Taylor or, indeed, Sir Tony O'Reilly.
That's my tuppence (two cents) worth. Ignore the abusive posters - your research is always fascinating and your prose style a pleasure.
Thought provoking as usual horseman keep up the good work! Have you thought of advertising on your Blog it seems to be going up in the popularity stakes?
'Come the day----50%+1. The compromises will be reached within a UI. And then you and your ilk can huff and BLUFF.'
Whatever fantasies float your boat.
Whatever anvel-gazing denialism floats your boat.
McCann why not just wallow to your heart's content in ATW and leave this forum to serious discutants?
"Sorry chum, ain't gonna work like that. Nationalists got what they were entitled to back in 1921 - and the borders of the Irish Republic will remain as constituted in 1921".
Where does democracy come into this?
Have you got a crystal ball?
This blog provides an opinion as to the future of Ireland with reference to statistics and facts. You, Andy, provide veiled threats and and a closed mind. If you are so sure, let us see some facts.
MPG .....
What's this on the UTV News tonight about the Irish Government owning a lot of property in the 6 Counties!Peter Punt is worried about a property slump in the North and is trying to lay the blame on Dublin!No Peter if anybody is going to carry the can for a property slump it is you not Dublin!
'Whatever anvel-gazing denialism floats your boat.'
My boat sinks at anvel-glazed denialism. Irish nationalists took all the floatation devices.
'McCann why not just wallow to your heart's content in ATW and leave this forum to serious discutants?'
And why don't you go and.......
'Have you got a crystal ball?'
No, but Horseman (or should that be 'Horse....'?) clearly thinks he has.
This blog provides an opinion as to the future of Ireland with reference to statistics and facts. You, Andy, provide veiled threats and and a closed mind. If you are so sure, let us see some facts.
No, this blog provides limited statistics and then crudely extrapolates misleading demographic predictions based on nothing more than naked sectarianism.
Fact: No opinion poll or academic survey conducted since the beginning of the Troubles has ever shown support for an all-Ireland state topping 30% of those questioned.
And please don't quote electoral statistics to me. My analysis of those can be read time and again, both on the comment thread here and on ATW.
As for 'veiled threats', I've no need to make them. History has already made my case for me.
McCann, you are simply a relic from a bygone age which will never return much as you may yearn for it. You are at serious risk of being run out of here with your tail between your legs like you were run out of Slugger.
'McCann, you are simply a relic from a bygone age which will never return much as you may yearn for it.'
Where does one start? Just because I disapprove of IRA terrorists in government doesn't mean I yearn for a return to the Stormont pre-1972 (LOL). As for 'relics', I would have thought that the term better suited those who allegedly signed up for an Agreement plegding them to respect the validity of Northern Ireland, but who still petualntly refer to it as, say, the six counties.
'You are at serious risk of being run out of here with your tail between your legs like you were run out of Slugger.'
That's up to the blog creator. As for Slugger, I left 5 years ago of my own accord and haven't returned. Whatever attempts are made to silence me, I'll always get my message across one way or the other.
Along with the majority of the Northern Ireland population (across the religious spectrum) I support the Union. I'll always support the Union. Silencing me on here isn't going to change that.
Andy,
Take a chill pill or better still some GTN, you are at risk of a coronary.
You do know how we would miss your frenzied retorts!
MPG .....
Andrew McCann,
Although you're an irritating individual, you won't be 'run out of here' any time soon. You also have a right to free speech (though if libel issues start to crop up, the rules change).
AFAIK you don't even live in Ireland, north or south, so I think your contributions should be read with that in mind. But if you want to contribute, why don't you engage and argue instead of just insulting?
'Take a chill pill or better still some GTN, you are at risk of a coronary.'
Love the lack of a suitable response.
'AFAIK you don't even live in Ireland, north or south, so I think your contributions should be read with that in mind.'
I live in the United KIngdom, the same country Northern Ireland is a part of. As far as I know, you live in the separate jurisdiction of the Irish Republic, so I think your contributions should be read with THAT in mind.
The United KIngdom has existed in its present form for over two hundred years. A united Irish republic has never existed. So let's bear that in mind when we're talking about constitutional legitimacy, shall we!!
Andy,
"Love the lack of a suitable response".
I am saddened that you think I don't care about your health.
"A united Irish republic has never existed".
Correct, but the Gaelic world did exist long before England evolved never mind the emergence of GB and it included much of Scotland and the Isle of Man within the Celtic world which was larger. It had a system of governance based on Brehon Law which differs from the system imposed by the English. Unfortunately the Brehon system facilitated its own demise and allowed foreigners to divide and conquer. It was a democratic system of governance which was defenseless to the imperialist and monarchist English.
The UK became smaller in the 1920`s, did it not and did an N not appear in it`s title.
Does the new Ireland have to become a republic?
The old Irish aristocracy still exists around the world as well as in Ireland. Perhaps one could be chosen and we could have our own independent monarchy. We could reinstate some elements of Brehon Law and a system of "Tanistry" could be adapted to elect the successor.
How would this sit on your shoulders, Andy? But by the above account you do not even live on this Island so you most likely would not have an opinion.
Or maybe you would have some strange leftist bed fellows in opposition whose name (the royal) we wont mention.
MPG .....
'I am saddened that you think I don't care about your health.'
I am surprised an Irish nationalist would care about somebody else's heath, given that so many of them vote for a party whose concern for health was rather outweighed by a determination to murder.
'But by the above account you do not even live on this Island so you most likely would not have an opinion.'
I live elsewhere in the United KIngdom. By the way, that entitled me to care about the future of my country. To believe that a fellow British person should have no opinion on the future of the Union because of a nine-mile stretch of water just goes to show how supremely arrogant Irish nationalism has become.
David Cameron doesn't live on the 'island', either. Doesn't stop him caring about the future of the country he will soon be governing.
Andy,
Irish Nationalists come from every social background and are politically as diverse as any nation.
In short, there is no steriotypical Irish Nationalist. Ireland is known for its welcome to visitors and wishing somebody well comes naturally to us. This of course extends to you.
MPG .....
'Ireland is known for its welcome to visitors and wishing somebody well comes naturally to us.'
Must try telling that one to the parishioners at Darkley or the dog breeders at La Mon.
Atrocities have been committed by all sides in the disputes of mankind.
It is now time to forgive and move forward for all our sakes, now and for the future. As I said in a previous entry, open your mind and interact with your neighbors (within and without). The grass is actually greener on the other side (metaphorically speaking). Talk is good so why not let us share in your vision for the future of our shared Island.
MPG .....
'As I said in a previous entry, open your mind and interact with your neighbors.'
Perhaps the Unionist majority would be more amenable to interaction with people who weren't trying to constitutionally destroy their country.
Its called Democracy and majorities do some times become minorities.
I`m betting it does as does this blog so whats your fall back plan.
MPG .....
'Its called Democracy'
Irish nationalists are the last people that should be lecturing on democracy.
'I`m betting it does as does this blog so whats your fall back plan.'
And I'm convinced it absolutely won't so a fall-back position isn't necessary.
A Briton lecturing democracy to Irish Nationalism. If the British upheld the democratic will of the Irish people for freedom in 1918 when a clear majority voted for independence then there would never have been a problem. The British always suppressed the will of the Irish people and continue to do so. From the Norman invasion, to the Act of Union and partition the people of Ireland have never been allowed to decide their own future.
Anon,
Well said. The British have now seen the writing on the wall and are making the preparations for the exit.
MPG .....
'Well said. The British have now seen the writing on the wall and are making the preparations for the exit.'
Course they are. That's why they spent £20 million building MI5's most important spy base outside of London (LOL!).
Yes, Like the last place I worked. A fortune was spent doing it up only for them to demolish it 6 months later.
MPG .....
'Yes, Like the last place I worked. A fortune was spent doing it up only for them to demolish it 6 months later.'
And there's me thinking 'denial' was just a rapster trying to pronounce an African river!
He is human after all. An attempt at humor, no less.
MPG .....
'He is human after all.'
In contrast to Adams and McGuinness, who are just monsters in human form.
Get over it. Look to the future not the past. These fine gentlemen are upstanding politicians who represent a large proportion of the population of the north of Ireland. In conflicts everywhere the participants eventually become part of the solution. Ireland has been and will be no different.
Horseman,
It will be interesting to see what role if any Sinn Féin will fulfill in the new reunified Ireland. By achieving their aim, are they consigning themselves as a political force to history?
MPG .....
'These fine gentlemen are upstanding politicians who represent a large proportion of the population of the north of Ireland.'
They're terrorists who represent those with no conscience and no soul. Get over that!!
'In conflicts everywhere the participants eventually become part of the solution.'
Except in Sri Lanka where terrorists were treated as they should be treated.
That will be my last response to you. I have no time for those who treat Sinn Fein/IRA as heroes.
"I have no time for those who treat Sinn Fein/IRA as heroes".
I have not and do not, but I will repeat what I wrote----- "In conflicts everywhere the participants eventually become part of the solution. Ireland has been and will be no different".
The problem is yours, my friend, and until you and your ilk come to terms with it, political progress will be slow. But then the clock is ticking............. going, going, gone.
MPG .....
Darkley or the dog breeders at La Mon
I condemn Darkley and Le Mon AND Greysteel, McGurk's Bar, Loughlin Island etc, etc.
The wilful ignorance of people claiming that Northern IRELAND should never be part of a united Ireland never ceases to astound me. Saoirse!
'The wilful ignorance of people claiming that Northern IRELAND should never be part of a united Ireland never ceases to astound me.'
The wilful ignorance and sheer bloody-mindedness of those who essentially deny the right of Northern Ireland to exist based on some highly dubious historical interpretations never ceases to astound me.
However, it always reinforces my own commitment to my Unionism.
I see Tim Collins has ruled out taking on Jeffrey Donaldson in Lagan Valley at the next General Election. Jeffrey can now spend more time watching movies!
"Ireland will be united by its people, of course, but not in a “32 County Socialist Republic” – that is a nonsense that needs to be dropped."
I totally agree with this point Horseman. I do not understand this slavish adherence professed by many people to Connolly's definition of Irish nationalism. It is so far out of date and so inappropriate to achieving a UI from an economic perspective that it is ridiculous. Furthermore, it serves to alienate borderline middle-of-the-road voters who might otherwise be tempted to vote for a UI, but are wary of the form that it might take.
Ireland will be United by it's people and none if them seem interested in Socialism. It will be a Democratic freemarket Economy with all citizens equal under the law.
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