What George Osborne didn't say, but I suspect thinks, is that England would quite like to be rid of N. Ireland, subject, of course to getting the "right" referendum result. And that can't happen now because it would set a precedent for a Scottish referendum, which George doesn't want.

So it all depends on what happens in Scotland, and I suspect Scotland would quite like to strengthen historic ties with N. Ireland as part of the EU. Fintan O'Toole has a very good article on the evolution of the SNP there.

Index of Frank's Diaries