On 16 January the power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland collapsed. Fresh elections are to be held on 2 March. There are some who argue that progress could be assisted by involving the Irish Republic more closely in Ulster’s affairs.
Such a course of action would be unacceptable to the Unionist majority in the Province and incompatible with Northern Ireland’s constitutional position as part of the UK.
During oral question time in the Lords on 18 January, Alistair Lexden, who is himself a strong Unionist, sought an assurance from the government that the Irish Republic, which at the moment is consulted on certain issues, would not be given a larger role in Northern Ireland.
The exchanges that took place were widely reported in the media in Northern Ireland.
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