I attended the 1916 centenary in Dublin and while I enjoyed the day, on reflection, it was a celebration of a 26 county state.
There was nothing about why the rebels wanted freedom for the people of Ireland, no mention of the UVF and threats of civil war, the denial of home rule and the planned exclusion of the north which apparently had no bearing on the going ahead with the rising. No mention of the use of heavy artillery and indiscriminate murder of innocent children by the British.
Enda Kenny was a fish out of water. An Irish traitor forced to commemorate Irish rebels, the words choking in his throat.
The reading of the proclamation by the Irish Army, those brave soldiers who rushed to our aid in 1969 when Irish citizens in the north were being forced out of their homes and murdered by the same British state who we fought against together in 1916.
We returned home only to read that northerners were no longer wanted, no longer considered Irish but British, that 6 counties were not part of Ireland but a part of the UK according to an Irish times Facebook page.
It is no longer an alien government fostering divisions in Ireland but an Irish government with a British fist up its arse controlling the Dail like marionettes.
The right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland apparently didn’t apply to northerners. Equality is only for the privileged within the 26 counties.
The British may have shot the rebels back then, but it was Irish men and women who stabbed them in the back in 2016.
The republic of Ireland is not worthy to use the flag of the Irish nation. The northern Gael have more right to that flag and to our national anthem.
Take it down from the mast Irish traitors and shove your republic up your holes.
While Jessica’s hurt and anger are completely justified, and her honesty admirable,
Sadly, I feel her conclusions play right into the hands of the Dublin government.
Leaving aside the practical alternatives for a moment to partition(which SF is administering)
It would be useful if the Northern Gaels got up of their own holes and voted to try and elect Marty as First Minister.
If the Northern Gaels cant even be bothered to vote then they can hardly throw mud over the wall of partition at their Southern countrymen/persons.
I’m in complete agreement with that, Sammy. There’s no point in embracing politics if you then shove her away from you and sit in the corner sulking…
what good would that do sammy.we would still be were we are no matter whos in charge of the farce in stormont.
“I’m in complete agreement with that, Sammy. There’s no point in embracing politics if you then shove her away from you and sit in the corner sulking…”
Sammy, I listened to Mr Portillo today when asked whether he thought Britain’s presence in Ireland prior to 1916 was legitimate.
His response was that Ireland had democracy and that it was to vote people into a UK government and therefore that is all the legitimacy that was required.
So if we don’t vote, there will be a void and those are usually filled with violence.
If we do vote, then even if we vote for a party who wants to leave the UK, the UK will see it as legitimacy for being here.
Seems like we are damned if we do and damned if we don’t.
I heard that too, Jessica – he dodged the question well and threw that old “democracy” justification in – democracy, at a time when 30% of the male population in Ireland couldn’t vote and women didn’t have the vote at all. Yet, this democracy Portillo talks about was undermined and denied to the majority of people on the Island by the undemocratic nature of Unionist resistance.
It was my tweeted question, actually…Fair play to William – he asked him twice.
we returned home only to read the northerners werent wanted…
not a bit of wonder if they are watching the start of the protestant parades season kick of on the ormeau rd last night,the arrival of the billy boys from scotland to take over watchman duties at the twadell hate camp.can you picture this outfit being welcome anywhere.
“Northern Gael”: worrying racial language.
I agree : the term “Gael” should only be applied to those who speak either Irish or Scottish Gaelic as their native language, which means there are currently a very small number of Gaels in both Ireland and Scotland. Terms like “Gael” and “Ulster Scot” are now thrown around in such a promiscuous fashion as to have been rendered virtually meaningless, with people associated with the G.A.A. described as “great Gaels” : er, no they’re not. I’m a Northern Irish Presbyterian with numerous Mac surnames in my ancestry, so many of my ancestors were Gaels, but I’m not, as I wasn’t brought up speaking a Goedelic language as my native tongue.
I never actually intended for it to be divisive Willie. Apologies if that is how it seemed.
I thought a new northern Ireland separate from the south and separate from Britain was something that might be worth suggesting.
I will never support being in the UK, if enough of the unionist community equally cannot accept a united Ireland then is there a middle ground.
If there isn’t then there is no way to avoid a win lose situation and we really are down to a sectarian numbers game.
The Gaels were not solely defined by their language. If a part of France started speaking Esperanto, would they no longer be Gaul’s or French?
I have no problem being considered a Gael and speaking English. If your ancestors were Gaels they would you Willie?
“The Gaels were not solely defined by their language. If a part of France started speaking Esperanto, would they no longer be Gaul’s or French?”
So who are the Gaels of whom you speak?
I thought the unification question was answered by the referendum on the GFA, the republicans accepting of Northern Ireland as an integral part of the UK, the republic removing articles 2 and 3, a power sharing partitionist parliament, and a well established partitionist parliament in the south.
Were these not enough clues as to partition is here to say. Give yourselves a break and stop raking over old cold coals, the south don’t want you.
So here we are almost 20 years after the GFA and the we were robbed cry is still ringing out. Get over yourselves, and accept the reality that partition is here to say no matter how many posts about hurt is going to change things. Your hurt it is eating you alive, and you all whine about the Unionists looking to the past.
“Were these not enough clues as to partition is here to say. Give yourselves a break and stop raking over old cold coals, the south don’t want you. ”
I would still like to hear them say it in a referendum Glenn.
Plus look at the pleasure you would have from witnessing them reject the Irish citizens in the north.
You would not be opposed to a border poll then to allow both sides spell out where we stand with one another?
Jessica, I’ve got to say that I like the cut of your jib. Fair play to you for expressing you opinions so honestly and explicitly! I respect that; and in many ways, I also have to admit, that I agree with your sentiments.
The reporting on the commemorations, that I observed, had me buckled with frustration at the lack of even the slightest hint towards the 6 counties that are still under British occupation.
Then there was the comment from the Irish President Michael Higgins: “Without 1916 and the events that surrounded it we would not have achieved our independence”, eh? seriously “…our independence.”? Maybe I’m being a little too sensitive here but as a Belfast man I automatically thought “Houl on a second Mik, we haven’t achieved our independence and i’m living proof of it” This from the Irish President; it’s the Emperors new clothes syndrome, which fucks me off big time. That’s why I love Jude’s blog, and for guest bloggers like yourself Jessica, who call a spade a spade.
Keep blogging Jessica.
PS
If I may share a personal anecdote that further annoyed me on Easter Monday night; while out for a couple of pints with my brother, he and I got into a conversation with two other fellas. These two chaps would have been in their late 30s early 40s and said they didn’t want a United Ireland because of the violence and carnage that will “surely” follow from the Unionist / Loyalist community. And they actually said after, that they considered themselves republican. That was a new one on me. #fried
“These two chaps would have been in their late 30s early 40s and said they didn’t want a United Ireland because of the violence and carnage that will “surely” follow from the Unionist / Loyalist community And they actually said after, that they considered themselves republican.”
They may be republican but they weren’t Irish. Perhaps this new breed of West Brit Irish.
Without the British army here to defend them, the Unionist / Loyalist community would take flight before they would fight.
I have seen what they would have to face and I would not blame them.
I must confess this article resonates with me. Unfinished business !
It was clear the Irish Government were not enthusiastic about commemorating the truth of the Rising, or its legacy in terms of today. The fact is, the motivation of the Rising has still not been achieved – any outside observer with little knowledge of 100 years ago, from watching the state commemoration, would have thought the ideals of 1916 had been achieved. The question remains- is there an appetite to see the ideals of 1916 become a reality? I’ve think you’ve hit the nail on the head!
Commemorating the Rising was a mere embarrassment for political elite in the South. The same political elites in the South who would rather forget the history of the country and those men and women who died, striving for a country based on the principles enshrined in the Proclamation. The attitude of the political elite and that of the media in the South has born the brunt of criticism – but how much criticism from the southern Irish people? “Ireland Inspires 2016” video. The “don’t mention the war video.” A Video showing Queen Elizabeth, Cameron, Kenny and Paisley – not a single mention of leaders involved in the Rising. There is a clear Indication of nervousness and reluctance on those in power and those who elect these people to power, to embrace the motives, ideas and people of the Rising. Recent Irish government’s are a million miles removed from the radical ideas contained in the Proclamation. The people of the South are the same, illustrated by the reemergence of FF – the very party responsible for decimating the State. The very party who’s principles are in contradiction to the proclamation. The political class are embarrassed by 1916 and most are afraid to say so publicly. There is ambiguity and dishonest historical revision with an avoidance on the truth. The Easter Rising has been used as a vehicle to promote and connect people to the peace process and the building of Anglo-Irish relations under the guise of reconciliation and respecting traditions – political correctness gone mad.
I always stated I would be in Dublin for that commemoration – I have continually watched the sanitising and “bastardisation” of the Rising over this past few years and made a conscious decision not to attend. To watch some of the southern political elite attempting to commemorate men and women they probably despise, is sickening. To hear Enda Kenny, even mention the proclamation angered me so much, the TV took the brunt of my reaction (if only goggle box had captured me). To the establishment in the South, there’s an embarrassment about the History of Ireland, there’s an apologist attitude for the actions taken by those of the past. It’s seems Anglo-Irish relations have taken precedence and what’s deemed the “wrongs” of the past have to be rewritten in a way not to offend – France and America, to name but a few – are these countries embarrassed by their past? Have they rewritten their past to suit a contemporary agenda? The past should be remembered for what it was, not how people would like it to have been.
Glenn and do you think Britan wants us, your English masters would get shot of you tomorrow if they could ,once Scotland goes its over mate . Im happy to make the north of Ireland more Irish than the south until the day comes for unity .
jessica
It is a matter of patience.
Peace comes dropping slow and peace or relative peace is still a fragile thing here.
In time there will be a referendum, if as expected there is a Nationalist First Minister, looming, then probably sooner rather than later.
How that referendum will go is anyone’s guess but unless it is a total disaster I think it will lead to a second referendum in a short space of time (5-10 years) which will produce a positive result.
That is how I see it going through my crystal ball anyway.
Great change requires great pressure, or gradual pressure over a long period of time, and there is no great pressure at present
Jessica, your clearly upset by the actions of the current Irish Government in the South and that’s nothing to be ashamed of and its rightly justified, so please don’t feel that I’m patronizing you here, I’m certainly am not.
Politics is what we’re talking about here. That’s the core of the topic we’re talking about. Politics is literally a business of backstabbing and forming friendships and creating enemies. I remember a quote from the movie The Godfather Part 3. Movies may be an act but you can learn some genuine lessons from them that are true and can be applied to the real world. The quote was from an Italian Don (who later gets stabbed to death with his own glasses) and its: “Finance is a Gun….Politics is knowing when to pull the trigger”.
Finance or Money, whatever term you like, and politics is at play in Ireland just like in any other country. The South is currently ruled by people who are basically no different than the British who ruled before them, the only difference is they speak with an Irish accent. Money has bought many of them. Money is where their loyalty lies, not to Ireland. Its the same in other countries, even Britain. Do you actually believe David Cameron is loyal to Britain? or Margaret Thatcher when she was in charge? Do you honestly think Unionism is loyal to Britain? lol I had a relative who was in prison with other Republicans during the recent troubles and he said to me: “Loyalists are Loyal only to themselves”. The British Government know this too. While my relative was doing his 2nd degree in prison, Loyalists were doing sit up’s, reading comics or reading porn.
My point is don’t be sentimental about politics. Never take it personal. Its a very complex business. Don’t assume because people are Irish they will want what you want. A lot may well do so but on the other hand many wont. A lot of the people in the South are being told what to think. Just look at the nonsense, the utter nonsense and distortion of History Ruth Dudley Edwards and John Bruton comes out with. Some people actually take them seriously because their none the wiser.
You also have to realize that your playing into corrupt Irish politicians hands. They WANT you to feel that the South doesn’t want you. They WANT you to be in despair when it comes to Irish Unity. Many Unionist politicians engage in this too when they say “the Union has never been stronger” or “a United Ireland will never happen”. Its all propaganda.
My stance on Irish Unity is I don’t want to be in a United Ireland just to join with the South. I want a United Ireland because I want a United Ireland. I really don’t care what people North or South want, it wont effect me in the slightest if every southern person said “we don’t want you” (Which definitely isn’t the case). I’m really not sentimental about these things, its politics, I choose what I want and I will pursue that.
So stay focused on your political objective, don’t heed any propaganda, just regroup with like minded people like you. Your political enemies, whether their Unionists or West Brits in the South, use propaganda but so can you. Your political enemies can try to mislead you but you can also mislead them. That’s Warfare, you don’t need a gun or a knife to engage in War, War is played out every single day in so many different fields and situations.
One last thing. Do you really want to be under the rule of traitors like Enda Kenny or Fine Gael? I was always under the assumption in a United Ireland Republicans will create a NEW Ireland, an Ireland where the West Brit politics of Fine Gael would be consigned to the dustbin, along with all the influence of their friends in the media and big business…..there is no place for corrupt people in places of power in a New Ireland, anymore than there is for the British Government.
Remember the Men/Women of 1916 with pride and fight on for their aspirations to be a reality. If they were alive today they would rather there had been no parade AT ALL in Dublin on Sunday, so don’t feel they were stabbed in the back, they wouldn’t have considered the likes of Enda Kenny as one of their own in the first place. Its up to Republicans to achieve Irish Unity and its my firm belief that Victory belongs to those who believe in it the most…..
“My stance on Irish Unity is I don’t want to be in a United Ireland just to join with the South. I want a United Ireland because I want a United Ireland.”
I do understand Ryan, so do I.
The same corruptions will be there in 200 years, the GFA enshrines this which is why I don’t believe it will work.
Fine Gael support partition to suit their pockets and care nothing about the economic limitations on a 6 county state in the north.
I too would like an all island united nation, new and inclusive with equality for all including those from the British tradition in the north.
I also don’t mind how we get there and the GFA only as one route.
If Dublin support partition, then why not seek a 9 county northern Ireland independent of London and Dublin.
Perhaps even a debate on it would give them a better comprehension of what partition actually is. They can have a 23 county southern Ireland.
They do not have a monopoly on Ireland. Perhaps it is only then we can join together as equals.
Ryan
Some disturbing stuff there to follow on from jessica’s ‘northern Gael’ Einvolk notions.
The Irish people are having the wool pulled over their eyes and are not capable of seeing the truth? They are being told what to think.
You share Jude’s low opinion of the Irish people.
You also seem to think all unionists/loyalists Brits are incapable of loyalty or honesty judging by your disparaging comments. West Brits,traitors, all the language of hate not unity.
A United Ireland with people like you in charge would be a welcoming place indeed!
Finally you claim that victory will belong to those who believe in it the most, not those who are right. The fanatics in other words.
What do you mean by “Einvolk notions”
“Some disturbing stuff there to follow on from jessica’s ‘northern Gael’ Einvolk notions”
What’s disturbing about it Gio?…..
“The Irish people are having the wool pulled over their eyes and are not capable of seeing the truth? They are being told what to think”
Not all of them Gio but a sizable amount yes. Not only the Irish people Gio but all peoples, in every country. Have you ever been to China Gio? Have you ever heard of North Korea? Have you seen the protests in Turkey over the Turkish Government not allowing a free press? I honestly thought you were more intelligent than this Gio……
North Korea, China and Turkey are not alone in their attempts on massively influencing their peoples thinking. Don’t tell me your one of these guys who believes the West is “Free”, are you Gio? There’s Fox News in the USA and the BBC in Britain who basically decide whats the News and whats not. To use just one example. A few years ago when Israel was bombing Palestinian people, the BBC refused to report the news and give a balanced account. They also refused to advertise an appeal for aid to support Palestinian families bombed out of their homes. So the late Tony Benn, brought on to talk about other things, deliberately abandoned the topic and read out how people could donate to help Palestinians and bashed the BBC live on air on their bias and disgraceful reporting. The poor BBC presenter repeatedly tried in vain to stop him from speaking.
Another example of the Fat Cats in the media setting the agenda in Britain was when it was said that the friendship and support of Rupert Murdoch was essential for any politician to be the British Prime Minister. Of course Rupert Murdoch is the billionaire media tycoon.
This all just doesn’t go on in Ireland, it goes on Worldwide. As Adolf Hitler said: “If your going to tell a lie, tell a big lie, keep telling it and eventually they will believe it”. Its Psychology Gio. Even the bloody supermarkets and fast food results engage in it. To get Children to keep buying their products McDonalds keeps everything deliberately bright and colourful. In Supermarkets the Milk (the most commonly bought product) is kept right at the back of the store in order to force people to walk through the store and buy stuff they didn’t necessarily go in to buy.
The media employ the same tactics, it’s a very powerful tool and influences peoples thinking.
“You share Jude’s low opinion of the Irish people”
I wasn’t aware that Jude had a low opinion of the Irish people but that’s for Jude to explain if true, not me Gio.
“You also seem to think all unionists/loyalists Brits are incapable of loyalty or honesty judging by your disparaging comments”
They aren’t Loyal Gio, that’s just a simple fact. Unionism and Orangeism is basically 16th Century politics, all this talk of “Loyalty”, its a load of nonsense. Every law the British Parliament made that Unionist opposed, especially if it benefitted Catholics, they rose up and disobeyed it. Going back even to the Penal Laws where Catholics couldn’t vote, couldn’t be educated, couldn’t even own a horse of a certain value, couldn’t live in large towns, etc the repeal of these Laws were opposed by Unionism and people who went on to found the likes of the Orange Order.
The most infamous example of Unionist opposition to the Government they proclaimed to be “Loyal” to was when Home Rule was being passed in Parliament. For decades Unionism did everything in their power to oppose democracy and any threat to the Protestant Ascendancy. When Home Rule was eventually about to be passed Unionism formed the UVF and threatened Civil War. This was treason. No if’s or but’s, it was treason against the British Crown. It was Unionism that brought the gun into Irish politics and caused the bloody last century from 1912 onwards. If you dispute this, come at me with facts, not nonsense remarks.
“West Brits,traitors, all the language of hate not unity”
Unionists aren’t West Brits or Traitors. They weren’t even Republicans to begin with. When I said West Brits/Traitors I’m swearing to some Fine Gael TD’s who sit in the Dail, they ARE traitors. That’s not language of “hate”, its just factual.
“A United Ireland with people like you in charge would be a welcoming place indeed!”
It will certainly be more welcoming than the state people like you made in the North from 1922 onwards Gio. So forgive me if I don’t take any hypocritical lectures.
“Finally you claim that victory will belong to those who believe in it the most, not those who are right. The fanatics in other words.”
Define “right” for me Gio. We often hear these words from Unionist politicians or the Orange Order (Ha!), such as “right minded people” or “doing what’s right”. What does that mean exactly? Millions upon millions of people in this world have different definitions of whats “right” when it comes to politics. Communists believe Communism is “right”. Capitalists believe Capitalism is “right”. Nazis believed Nazism was “right”, etc, etc.
Was the state of Northern Ireland “right”? Was Britains occupation without a mandate “right”? Not just of Ireland but India and numerous other countries. Is Unionism “right”? Was the UVF in 1912 “right”?
Seriously, tell me what you mean by that right Gio, your the one typing it, so I want to know.
“The fanatics in other words”
Funny, that quote is from a US Admiral who lead the assault on the Japanese in the latter stages of WW2. I guess he’s a fanatic now….because Gio the Unionist said so……even though there’s absolutely nothing fanatical about the quote but since Unionism has a monopoly on Wisdom and Morality then it must be true and accurate…….
@ Jessica
“The union has never been stronger”
“Most CNRs are happy with the union”
“NI Subvention is 10Bn / 20Bn…….a gillionbillion”
“25% of Sinn Fein voters want the union”
“Ulster is and always will be British”
“The South Cant Afford You”
“The South Don’t want you”
“Republicans are bad…….Unionism Good”
“There will never be a UI”
“We are an integral part of the UK”
“NIL&T / BBC / Spotlight / BelTel / Sindo survey shows theres no interest in a UI”
“People don’t want a UI because of the resulting violence from Loyalists”
All the above is pure and complete propaganda in order to maintain the status quo. Most people with more than one brain cell knows its bullcrap. Ryan is totally correct, its not in the interests of any of the establishment to push for a UI. Think about it logically, a UI would mean that both FF and FG/Lab would NEVER have enough votes to ever be in government again. Sinn Fein would be defacto be the largest party. Power is money and money is power. It is easy to see that the established parties in the south OUT-AND-OUT LIE to their voters ….. “we are the all Ireland party……we are the republican party”. They have as much credibility as Comical Ali. The problem is, it’s a cartel, they have the media in their pockets and they drive the agenda.
Whilst a UI will come and is coming “dripping slow” for some, it is being done kicking and screaming. A UI could happen tomorrow morning if the established parties in the south really wanted one. There will be no visible expression of this until the media is reeled in and house trained on both sides of the fence. So how can we do this? Well we can cut it off at the source (i.e. FF / FG / Lab). The establishment need to be exposed for what they are. We are getting there thanks to social media, their control is greatly diminished. Never underestimate the lengths a drowning rat will go to! Once the political tipping point happens in the north in the next couple of years, expect FF and FG to start running candidates to stop any further SF progression.
THERE IS NO CONCEIVABLE SCENARIO WHEREBY THE UNION WILL REMAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE !!!!!!
1 – Unionism simply doesn’t have the numbers, It is actually really a lot worse than people make out. The next census report will be beyond devastating for unionism. Since the last census there has been an increase in the baby making ages of Catholics by +5% and Protestants by -10% (yes its not a typo, that’s a minus!). That is truly alarming. Factor in their higher mortality rate (34% of the protestant population in 2011 were over 60). We are not even in the window of a plurality, it will be a heavy and significant majority of Catholics coming in the next few years. At that point we will see desperation, usual unionist hissyfits, talk of partition, federalism and deals being done with the establishment in the south.
2 – Nationalism/Republicanism simply doesn’t have the emotional or cultural connection to the UK or even any unicorns of any significant numbers or self hating austerity loving northern irish-uns. Factor that in and other issues such as Loyalist Flight, Scottish Independence, Brexit, British financial withdrawal and also the obvious fact that we are better of in a UI.
Its really game over, but keep it to yourself, nobody likes to brag. I am enjoying the show, just sit back, open a can or get a glass of wine and chill.
Ohh dear I spoke to soon……..
Time for another daily Unionist anger headline….
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/number-of-protestants-working-fulltime-to-be-eclipsed-by-catholics-in-labour-market-first-in-northern-ireland-34586274.html
Hi Jessica, I like the cut of your cloth; you shoot from the hip, no mealy mouthed double speak, procrastination or ambiguity. You remind me of Bernadette Devlin when she was prominent late 60’s and early 70’s. By god, she was good and the establishments here and in London were afraid of her. I would agree with your sentiments. I attended 3 centenary events, all of which were a big disappointment; Kiltyclogher for unveiling of a plaque to sean mcdiarmada, Kilrea for talk by a relative of Thomas Clarke, and on Easter Monday Bundoran for the unveiling of a Proclamation commemorative plaque in Garden of Remembrance. – No talk of injustice of partition, abandonment of irish people in the 6 counties. Revisionism and erroneous misrepresentations of the Rising are rife in all quarters. Those men and women did not die for a partitioned island. Shame on the structures in the 26 counties at political and media level for where we are today. The biggest obstacle to reunification is the mindset in the 26 counties, programmed and fashioned by decades of political indifference and onesided misrepresentative reporting by various organs of media, culminating in abandonment of articles 2 and 3 which symbolically was like a dagger through the heart of many true irish republicans who wish to see reunification. I find it hard to buy in to the SF program of making the 6 counties work. I don’t know, between the SF and SDLP, who is wearing the emperors clothes. If this place is working on all fronts, why would anyone want to change a good thing. I already detect so much apathy not only among young people but also among older people in their 50s and 60s who were on marches years ago and very vociferous regarding reunification. Most people now selfishly, I think ,just look at their own financial circumstances and economic prospects and just get on with looking after themselves and their own families.
I agree Gio, one minute it’s ‘cherishing ALL the children of the nation’ the next it’s only for ‘Gaels’ or indeed ‘indigenous Irish’ or ‘native Irish’.
Luckily for them there is always whataboutery to fall back on in this case the wacky ‘British-but-Ulsterish’ claims of unionists.
And as we all know if you have a whataboutery at the ready then you don’t have to examine the faults of your stance…
“I agree Gio, one minute it’s ‘cherishing ALL the children of the nation’ the next it’s only for ‘Gaels’ or indeed ‘indigenous Irish’ or ‘native Irish’.”
Yes, we are an Irish nation AG, not british, not scottish, not english.
I never meant the word Gael to be devisive, but I believe a country should be one nation that everyone can aspire to.
If a majority in Ireland cannot aspire to be Irish then we’re fucked.
Are the following ‘Northern Gaels’:
Gregory Campbell, Nelson McCausland, Basil McCrea, Jim Allister, John McAllister, William McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, Matthew Magill, Jeffrey Donaldson (aka McDonnell), Timothy Girvan, Freda Donnelly, Frank McCoubrey, Alan McLean, James McCorkell… (all apart from 2 were/are DUP members, there’s so many more that I can be bovvered writing them anymore).
Really, I think it’s time nationalism has an honest look at itself and to see if it gets in the way of ‘re-unificationism’ (and yes, same principle applies to unionism).
“Are the following ‘Northern Gaels’:
Gregory Campbell, Nelson McCausland, Basil McCrea, Jim Allister, John McAllister, William McCrea, Michelle McIlveen, Matthew Magill, Jeffrey Donaldson (aka McDonnell), Timothy Girvan, Freda Donnelly, Frank McCoubrey, Alan McLean, James McCorkell… (all apart from 2 were/are DUP members, there’s so many more that I can be bovvered writing them anymore).
Really, I think it’s time nationalism has an honest look at itself and to see if it gets in the way of ‘re-unificationism’ (and yes, same principle applies to unionism).”
AG, you have jumped down my throat assuming I meant this in a divisive way.
I didn’t mean we do DNA testing to see who can qualify to be a Gael. Are we not all Irish?
What the hell is wrong with the word Gael?
Why would anyone in the DUP be excluded just by using the word Gael.
The Irish unionist party was once proud of its Irish heritage.
If unionists have lost it in the last century, that is their problem to deal with.
Those who don’t mind being referred to as Irish should not be offended by the word Gael.
Plus it was irrelevant to my point anyway
I was exploring alternatives to 32 county unification.
Sounds like anything nationalists suggest will be jumped on by unionists without a second thought.
“I didn’t mean we do DNA testing to see who can qualify to be a Gael. Are we not all Irish?
What the hell is wrong with the word Gael?”
You do realise Gael and Irish aren’t synonyms?
“You do realise Gael and Irish aren’t synonyms?”
Gael comes from the ancient Gaelic word “Goídel” meaning “Irishman”.
MT, when conversing with you, I don’t know what I would do without Google.
The word Gael is fine Jessica, very fine, but there is a tendency to use it in a very exclusive fashion and the tone of your post did not suggest otherwise.
I apologise if you meant it as an umbrella term for everyone in the north and not just for the nationalist and catholic communities.
“I apologise if you meant it as an umbrella term for everyone in the north and not just for the nationalist and catholic communities.”
I honestly did AG
It did not even cross my mind that it could be construed otherwise, but I suppose that just shows how easy it is to unintentionally step on toes in a divided society.
I suppose to be fair, we really don’t even know what percentage of the unionist population consider themselves Irish even if they wish to remain in the UK.
I assumed it would be a majority but I have no idea.
The only nagging difficulty about an actual UI, is that Orangism would have to be embraced in the south. Places like Kerry and Galway to which we have escaped for years on holiday might have to invite marches through Main Street, to show that they were all welcome and Sammy Wilson would have speaking rights in the Dail. Perish the thought. I think the price might be too high.
“The only nagging difficulty about an actual UI, is that Orangism would have to be embraced in the south. Places like Kerry and Galway to which we have escaped for years on holiday might have to invite marches through Main Street, to show that they were all welcome and Sammy Wilson would have speaking rights in the Dail. Perish the thought. I think the price might be too high.”
Never mind unification, what needs to happen next is the tri colour flying from nationalist controlled council buildings and its official recognition in the north.
It is no more the flag of the ROI than it is our flag.
This is becoming an imperative, and indeed more important than unification. It is time both the southerners and the unionists in the north learned this represents our identity and gave us strength through decades of misrule and conflict and this will not be prejudiced over anyone’s intolerance or bigotry, north, south, east or west.