Given the increased prominence of a border poll in Ireland, particularly following the outcome of the Brexit referendum, this paper provides an initial assessment of some of the issues that are likely to become central in any debate on this issue. We examine the relative income and growth position of Northern Ireland within a UK and Irish regional framework over time. We further compare, and contrast, in detail aspects of the structure of both economies on the island of Ireland in the areas of educational attainment, trade orientation and the role of FDI. The paper goes on to analyse other relevant issues, such as the relative strength and weaknesses of the healthcare systems and the factors determining the potential economic cost of Irish unification. The objective of the research is to initiate an evidence-based approach to the question of a border poll and to provide an initial indication of the breadth of detail and analysis required for any debate to proceed in a meaningful manner.

中文翻译：

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北爱尔兰边境民意调查的政治经济学

鉴于爱尔兰边境民意调查的重要性日益增加，特别是在英国脱欧公投结果之后，本文对可能成为有关该问题的任何辩论的核心的一些问题进行了初步评估。我们研究了北爱尔兰在英国和爱尔兰区域框架内随着时间的推移的相对收入和增长地位。我们进一步比较和对比爱尔兰岛上两个经济体在教育程度、贸易导向和 FDI 作用等方面的详细结构。本文继续分析其他相关问题，例如医疗保健系统的相对优势和劣势以及决定爱尔兰统一潜在经济成本的因素。