and as to the economic effects - most of the economic pain that the EU will feel will be felt by the Republic of Ireland in any case
Explain further your assessment of the “pain” produced to EU members come FROM Ireland? Can you give a few examples ?
Would a fair comparison be like in the USA there are only 50 states however in addition to to 50 States that have 2 elected Senators in Congress there are various US territories around the world that have an elected representative in the US House of Representatives but are NOT allowed the 2 US Senators with a higher level of debate influence in congress. For example 1 US Senator can hold the Senate with unlimited debate power. That power does not exist in the House.
For purposes of discussion let’s assume the US Representative from Guam is holding the entire US Government hostage to their interest by claiming minority rights that do not exist. Is that essentially what Ireland is doing to the EU?
And the EU is unwilling to act in the best interest of the EU out of fear that they will be accused of failing to protect the best interest of Ireland. Kinda like if GUAM holds the entire US government hostage economically by demanding that the US Government drain the resources of all other States and territories to provide Guam with “minority rights”.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Friday_Agreement
Just finished reading this wiki page. Does it accurately capture the issue?
As I understand it the EU will have the authority to create and enforce a border between NI under UK rule and mainland Ireland which will remain EU post Brexit.
Bottom line. Just because the EU will have authority to enforce a border they are under no obligation to do so and that should be if no concern to UK post Brexit. Correct? Or am I missing something?