[tom8517]

There is growing sentiment in the Republic for what's being called an Irexit. Primarily to avoid the introduction of a "hard" border but also because of lingering ill will that Brussels gave Ireland one up the ass during the Irish financial crisis. but there is no guarantee, still a substantial remain opinion.

But assuming the Republic were to leave the EU I could see the benefit of a free trade zone, and open borders between Ireland and the UK. Anything that lessens Irelands independence or suggested an even loose political union with Britain would likely ignite a firestorm of Irish nationalism. The wounds of Irish treatment pre 1921 are just a bit still too raw.

Irish Republicanism is a bit like the villains in American teen slasher films. You can shoot it, hang it, lock it up but it just won't die. Going back beyond the origins of the IRA in 1919, there were the Fenians of the 1800's and the United Irishmen of the 1700's.