Brexit v Ireland, some important facts
Senior Tories rarely agree on anything these days. One issue that draws them together across the Leave-Remain schism is shared contempt for “overseas”, that alien landscape full of foreigners. Contempt for Johnny foreigner used to be confined to the lunatic fringe of little England, and mainly directed at Asian and African immigrants. Since the referendum of 2016 hatred of foreigners has become more widespread and respectable in Tory England. Europeans are fair game and Ireland is now becoming a target (as is Scotland). Particular venom is directed at the Irish leader, Leo Varadkar who is guilty of numerous alien vices rolled into one, he is of Indian immigrant origin, he is gay and he’s Irish. It would be hard to imaging anyone more contemptible in Tory eyes. The more Tories attack Varadkar the more his stock rises in Ireland. He has taken an energetic line in defence of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) which infuriates Tory headbangers. Several attacks have been launched by figures ...