The hard borders drawn in our hearts

The threat of Brexit has given us a renewed sense of anti-partitionism. We should start by reaching out to our unionist neighbours

Despite their chasm-like political differences, Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness became fast friends Pic: Getty

The Frontline presidential election debate programme in October 2011 earned its infamy because of the “Tweetgate” incident. RTÉ has recently issued substantial damages and an apology to the then-presidential candidate Seán Gallagher.

However, that television programme also exposed a peculiar anti-Northern Irish trait found in a significant proportion of those living in the Republic. “Why did you come down here? Why don’t you stay up there?” asked a young woman of presidential candidate ...