Unified Economy
When decisions are made in London, Brussels and Berlin they are not made purely in Ireland’s interest
The building of the all-Ireland Economy must begin now. It will provide the best way to ameliorate against the worst excesses of Brexit. This means planning together, funding together and delivering services together on an all-Ireland basis. We need to get practical in the development of convergence across our island in terms of taxes, enterprise, health care and supports. Departments north and south need to start working together in partnership. The breadth and depth of the North South Ministerial Council must be radically improved. We need to see the devolution of far more powers from London to Ireland. The North/South Inter- Parliamentary Association must be developed to provide deeper and more regular parliamentary support to the work of the North South Ministerial Council.
The twin-governmental approach of placing their respective heads in the sand is no longer sustainable.
Tax Harmonisation
In addition to devolution of fiscal powers from London to Ireland, we also need to see harmonisation of taxation across the island of Ireland. There cannot continue to be significant disparities in the levels of taxation depending on where you live. Corporations pay different levels of Corporation Tax dependent on whether they are in Belfast or Dublin. Excise Duties/Carbon Tax is applied to Solid Fuels in the South, whilst no Excise Duties/Carbon Tax and reduced VAT is applied to Solid Fuels in the North – leading to cross-border price differentials. It is time to converge our systems of taxation to harmonise the playing field both North and South.
Boosting All-Ireland Trade
In 2021, €4 billion was exported from the North into the South whilst exports from the South to the North were worth €3.7 billion. 65% increase in all island trade, with €7.7 billion in goods being traded within the 32 counties is just the tip of the iceberg, and affirmation that a cohesive economy from Derry to Kerry is the path towards a united Ireland. An all-Ireland economy is the key to unleashing the full economical potential of this island. The building of the all-Ireland Economy must begin now.
Border Development Zone
The border runs for a total of 499 kilometres from Lough Foyle in Donegal to Carlingford Lough in County Louth. The creation of the Border had the effect of cutting off hinterlands from their market towns and cities and creating two separate economic jurisdictions where originally there was one. This particular region is also most affected by the Troubles and Brexit is an immediate threat to this region.
