berneyarms
Established Member
While the CTA originated from Ireland becoming independent, it has since survived almost 100 years (albeit with a suspension during WW2), and survived the Troubles, which, frankly, stretched it to the limit, and that is not that long ago.I am not forgetting any history - but that was in a different time and different circumstances. I don't think there should be an assumption that the same would happen again.
I don't think the English do 'sensitive' very well, governing classes or not. I don't see Westminster treating Scotland on many ways much as Westminster treated Ireland in the second half of the nineteenth century. However, I may not be sensitive to these things!
I am sure that Scotland could function as an independent country. What it would be like is conjecture at this stage. (As, of course, a UK outside of the EU was at the time of the referendum)
I don't see any government in these islands viewing it as something to bargain with or dismantle, and I really do think you are wrong about the practicalities of how any change in the relationship would work.
The CTA is nowadays viewed as an enduring element of the peace process on the island of Ireland, and I think all of the governments recognise that.
You're being very simplistic in seeing it only as an Anglo-Scottish matter should Scotland vote for independence, as it has far wider implications.