Originally Posted by
KerrAvon
I see that you have retreated from your parroting of the tin-foil hat wearing, Guardian published, conspiracy theory that Johnson didn’t want a deal.
I would prefer to remain than enter into a Norway style BRINO monstrosity of the type that Labour appears to have in mind (insofar as it is possible to tell), so I will assume that I fit into your anti-BRINO group.
I think the deal is an interesting way of addressing the real issue, which is that Brexit is fundamentally incompatible with the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) unless and until technical solutions can be developed and/or accepted such as to make it possible for there to be a border on the island of Ireland without any customs checks.
Whilst I have sympathy with Unionists who feel that they are being taken a step away from the union, that sympathy is limited given that the history of Ireland makes for a unique problem that requires a unique solution. Most importantly, however, the notion that the arrangement will be subject to review and renewal by Stormont, brings it in line with the concept of ‘consent’ which underpins the GFA and Anglo-Irish relations. I get that the DUP don’t like that, but nobody can have everything that they want.
Given that you always seem to be so remarkably on message with the Labour Party, can you tell me what their current thinking is on the risk associated with working to vote this deal down? They whipped against May’s reasonably soft deal and now looks set to vote against Johnson’s harder deal, both of which were accepted by the EU only after extensive negotiations. Are they happy to throw the dice and take the risk that the EU states will unanimously agree to extend so that there can be a third bite at the cherry? Bear in mind that the default position is a no deal exit on 31st October.