The Rules for Holding Referendums on Irish Unity: A Response to ‘The Perils of Referendums: A Review’ by Matt Qvortrup

Connolly Connolly

doi:10.3318/isia.2021.32b.17

Abstract

The Rules for Holding Referendums on Irish Unity: A Response to ‘The Perils of Referendums: A Review’ by Matt Qvortrup

Highlights

In spite of its dramatic title, Matt Qvortrup’s review of the University College London led Interim Report from the Working Group on Unification Referendums on the Island of Ireland is measured and thoughtful
In terms of the issues that are already defined by agreement or law, Matt Qvortrup’s review makes it clear that the key point in the Interim Report is that the Agreement provided for a single referendum in each jurisdiction and that the threshold for each to pass is a majority, that is 50% + 1 of those who vote
Matt Qvortrup’s review supports and strengthens this argument by discussing the international experience, where a simple majority is the most common approach in equivalent referendums. As part of this discussion, Qvortrup’s review might have highlighted that the Interim Report believes that the choice on the ballot paper for future referendums has to be a binary one between a United Ireland or remaining in the UK, and that no other options should be on the ballot paper

Summary

Introduction

In spite of its dramatic title, Matt Qvortrup’s review of the University College London led Interim Report from the Working Group on Unification Referendums on the Island of Ireland is measured and thoughtful. The Interim Report itself is an important contribution to understanding the process by which referendums may be called and held on the creation of a united Ireland.

Results

Conclusion