Reply #5: a change of national status can only come via a referendum in N. Ireland

[Anarcho-Socialist]

The pro-union sentiment still holds a majority which is why the nationalists and republicans haven't pressed for a referendum for the time being. Also the Irish government doesn't show much interest in gaining Northern Ireland due to the significant security and infrastructure costs that would drain their treasury. Also overall sentiment in the Republic of Ireland reflects this. There is an major element in the Labour Party that would like to see a United Ireland, even if just for the huge cost savings of not having to subsidize the province any longer, but the UK government isn't able to do so unless there is a majority in Northern Ireland.