ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the possible economic weaknesses in unionism and nationalism. It considers the possible weaknesses in the unionist case consideration must be given to what may be the main flaws in the economics of nationalism and republicanism. The Democratic Unionist Party has traditionally had a socialist tinge and opposed many of the attempts to introduce aspects of the Thatcherite agenda to Northern Ireland. Perhaps in an effort to dispel pessimism as to an inability to pay for the subvention, and also to bolster the economic case for cross-border bodies, there has been some focus on the dynamic gains which it is alleged would follow from greater all-Ireland economic integration. Use of the subvention ‘figleaf to defend the continuation of the Union might become a liability to the extent that it was perceived that the indicated economic weakness.
