On Friday 15th November i recieved an email from the Irish Department for Foriegn Affairs (DFA) saying that my application was due to be accepted and i just needed to re-confirm my address for posting back the documents. So far the process has taken 1 year and 1 month. I'd expect to get the status this month which then means i have the option to apply for a passport in the future if i so desire.
Actually this weekendi have a work trip to Italy and this highlights the need for free and simply access to our neighbouring countries.
For historical reference Brexit has changed alot and not very much. Boris Johnson negotiated a new version of the deal which puts N Ireland in a different customs status, however he couldn't pass that through Parliment and so they have all agreed to (or been bounced into) an election on 12th December. Its unclear what will happen in this election for several reasons:
a) The unregulated direct targetting of messages via social media by Leave via Facebook using Cambridge Analytica and Analytics IQ funded by a US billionaire has been exposed and blocked.
b) Twitter has annouced it will no longer allow political ads, however
c) Social media is still vulnerable to the unofficial political messages that are even less accountable and forwarded around between believers which re-enforce their perception 'its the truth'.
d) There is still no clear leader for Remain, no unifying message. Even politicians that have changed their minds will find it difficult to slow the inertia of years of the other side controlling the message
e) British mentality (or the 'bulldog spirit) to just 'get it done' regardless of whether it, on reflection, is a good thing.
At least the Lib Dems are now clear that if they win (outright) they will simply revoke article 50. However the I can hope for now is that the election does not deliver an outright majority for Boris or allow him to create an unholy alliance with Nigel. This could mean we get a more informed referendum and one that is not rushed through. However all of the above points would likely still apply.
Just remember who stands to benefit from a weakened UK and EU. Putin and Trump.
