DERRY JOURNAL EDITORIAL: Border tensions and the lack of an all-island approach

And that was before the reports last weekend that day trippers from outside the Republic entering the State could not be penalised in the same way as residents, which resulted in a fresh wave of ire, some of it directed collectively at ‘northerners’ reportedly heading away on day trips. There have also been some comments and claims about ‘southerners’ ignoring restrictions and heading ‘north’ to shop.

The truth is that the vast, vast majority of people on both sides of the border are observing the restrictions placed upon them, sun beating down or not.

We are a cross-border region and people may have very valid reasons for crossing the border - for work, to delivering shopping and collect prescriptions for a vulnerable relative or friend in the north or the south, for key trade or because their nearest store or pharmacy happens to be across the border.

Undoubtedly there are some who have chanced their arm, making a break for it without any good reason and without a second thought for the danger they are placing others in. That is inexcusable and they should be ashamed. But they are the minority.

The lack of an all island strategy on restrictions has helped feed the confusion and angst at a time when people are already on edge, and if people want to vent their frustration, perhaps they should start with this.

And we should be careful that the language we use and posts we share do not end up causing rifts because as a region, the people of the north west, like those in other border areas, live and work very well together and are reliant upon each other for our economies.

There will be many lessons when the pandemic ends and hopefully politicians north and south will re-examine the need for policy alignment and working more closely together so we are all on the same page and can all stay safe.