John Maguire

There are no optional criteria for new joiners (a category that includes erstwhile members).

They are benefits to the members of the union. (Notice how we -- and you -- don't need Francs and Marks and Pesetas any more?)

What are you so afraid of? (It rhetorical. We know our history!)

... Here's the thing: What's with British (or is it "English"? More history) people seemingly fully committed to reacquiring the privileges without, being fully committed to committing to assuming the responsibilities?

History again, alas. We'd forget it (especially we Irish) at our peril...

Well all the EU rules are important. They're in some respect the essence of the union. All new members should (_must_) be prepared to sign up to them. All. I'm not aware of any MS that's less "bothered" by some of them than others. Ireland would greatly the UK as a member. (History again). ...

We'd prefer all members of the EU (and others) adopt the Euro. But carve outs are a fact of life in an evolving union, as the UK well knows. New joiners don't get them. And no one else anyway has a central bank that could compete with the ECB.

Working backwards .. .

Ireland would be in Schengen if the UK would join. It is of paramount importance to us that we minimise any border on our island. (My earlier remark about learning some history refers. We don't blame you. They're facts.)

Just to name two: joining Schengen and the Euro.

Learn some bloody history, Andrew. (Unlike ignorance, nobody blames you for it!) And stop hedging your bets.

You only *feel* the need to dance because the sophistry that underlies your position is exposed by your inability to accept on equal bases the responsibilities that enable the privileges.

Criminals? Ever think about where you stand? If you even stand... The very epitome of John Lewis's "good trouble".

Totally agree. SF's position in the 26 would demand that it get aboard for the 6... It would, in fact and effect, represent an a limited form of unification.

The DUP would be unable to help themselves and would fail to support something that might deliver a greater good, because SF would support...

It would also have a really interesting effect on Northern Ireland's politics...

AMDG...

Also true. And likewise that the path to regaining citizenship--and the privileges it confers--while open, is to faithfully (and there's the rub!) assume the corresponding responsibilities and obligations.

Absolutely not. Unless such rights are being stood up for while simultaneously standing up for the abrogation of the corresponding obligations.

Totally agree with first and last bits, Andrew. But in the middle... These rights were taken from you by your constitution and your FPP selected sovereign parliament, briefly run by Boris Johnson and Teresa May.

Did you see his interview? A hard cross so that if it didn't get a touch it was on target. 👍🏻

There is an important, if subtle (?), difference between criticising the actions of a country, especially where they impact directly on another or others, and criticizing the country, per se...

Two fair points indeed. But it's not so hard to blame them for wishing to continue being ignorant of those horrors.

It was actually a goal, so don't really care! 😁

Also (especially) for those who are terminally online!

See you later.

Though it is, allegedly, more of an agaricusian flageolet.

Thank you.

And to my fourth question?

So you're for the abolition of Schengen? Or for France leave Shengen? Or for the UK to join Schengen (which it wouldn't do even as a member of the EU)?

What is the path to your goal?

If one's not going to be pedantic about middle school English pedagogues, what is there?

Pretty awful middle school... English (unlike some languages) has three genders: feminine, masculine and neuter or common. They didn't teach even this much?

Still, Rebecca, despite your poor foundation in English grammar, you went on to a successful academic career, so bully for you! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Thanks, Gyles... That's your interpretation, not mine. And I can interpret for myself, thank you. I'm happy to be enlightened by anyone's views, yours or Niall's, but agree or disagree with me on my feed, please, and with Niall in his.

100% agree, Gyles, on EU view...

But on Niall... I don't see him punching at all, let alone down, rather pointing out to those who think otherwise that, having left the club, the only way for them to regain access to the privileges, is to rejoin under the currently prevailing conditions.

It's the age old issue, seen around here chiefly among Northern Irish Unionists.... When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like discrimination against you.

That's moderation!

Seems to be gone already...