Thanks to Donal Kennedy for providing this link. It relates to the story that when Ireland was partitioned, southern Protestants were driven out, and that something similar would happen were we to have a border poll and eventual Irish reunification. This link offers an informed and different perspective. Go raibh maith agat aris, Donal.
My children went to a “Protestant” with a very small “P” in South County Dublin, where I also live. I have met many of the local “Protestant” population in this community and so far have not met a disadvantaged protestant nor have I met any berating the Republic. In fact most will identify with Ireland & are embarrassed by their near neighbours & kin in the north in regards to their anti-Catholic rants. I am aware of a group called “Reform” which does seem to have grudges against the state in regards to “ne temere”, now obsolete I believe, and state funding for education in the private sector. From my experience this community still hold a privileged position in this society & vastly better than many Protestants in the north.
“school”
I think the same can be said of the OO on either side of the perceived divide in Ireland. What differentiates a northern Orangeman from those say, who March in Rossnowlagh. Surely they are equally as embarrassed by the actions of their fellow brethren?
Interesting and enlightening article.
Ach.
The mentality a stupid leftover from the ‘Rome Rule’ fear mongering days.
The main problem being that if William Ulsterman was to even fleetingly glance over the fate of most of the Southern Protestants then the whole raison d’etre of NI and partition falls apart. (apart from maybe the rural aristocrats post-partition, but then it’s a lot more nuance than just Prod hating)
I honestly think that partition was the worst thing to happen the Protestant population of Ireland.
However, if you say that then;
a/ unionists go very ape
b/ nationalists go very ape, it’s a product of the very very insular mindset that many of us have.