Rising tensions in Northern Ireland are regrettable, but probably inevitable, given the Irish Sea “border”.

Northern Ireland is the UK’s last “colony” and independence is long overdue.
They ought to have made their peace with Dublin many decades ago.

As with Swiss Cantons, they could have been largely self-governing apart from defence/transport policy/national tax system.

The major problem seems to stem from the Protestant sector, whose ancestors were immigrants from central Scotland, brought in by major local landowners, to control the locals.

Serious discussion needs to start on a united Ireland. Michael Collins was aware he made a serious mistake, with his 1922 “6 and 26” agreement. He was correct, and was assassinated near Cork.

Take religion out of politics, both north and south, and some worthwhile progress may be possible.

GB Butler, Stockton-on-Tees.