But while they try to persuade pro-status quo Catholics to cross the political divide, unionists will resist setting in train what could, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, become a rolling process of border polls to be held on a seven yearly basis.

BBC: The Robinson strategy to widen DUP appeal

Quite what decisions they will make I wouldn't like to predict but I think that a good deal turns on that, as to whether there are likely to be some serious consequences in terms of splits.

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