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A United Ireland

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Wouldn’t it be better that Ireland was reunified, so brexit can be solved.

Really most people on the mainland don’t care about Northern Ireland. To many, it’s Ireland, but less friendly. I’ve never known anyone willingly wanting to travel there. Preferring to go to the better Ireland in the south.

Many mainland brexiteers said that if they could get brexit done quicker they would throw the Ulster unionists under the bus and give NI to the Good Ireland in the south.

Can those unionists in the north give any real justification of why NI should be part of the UK for, what do they bring to the table? As far as I can see NI doesn’t really bring anything.

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By *V-AliceTV/TS
over a year ago

Ayr

Maybe. I can see one downside, though. If you lived in the Republic, would you really be happy with trying to assimilate nearly 870,000 arseholes who hate your guts?

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By *oguish1Man
over a year ago

Carrigrohane


"Maybe. I can see one downside, though. If you lived in the Republic, would you really be happy with trying to assimilate nearly 870,000 arseholes who hate your guts?"

So funny ..... Im from the deep south .... And that is our fear ... We would have to take them as blood is thicker than water .... Bit it is not something we want

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood

I can think of hundreds of reasons . But my starter for ten is that there is no NHS in the south as in the NHS as we know it in the UK. Best get your private healthcare sorted.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Maybe. I can see one downside, though. If you lived in the Republic, would you really be happy with trying to assimilate nearly 870,000 arseholes who hate your guts?

So funny ..... Im from the deep south .... And that is our fear ... We would have to take them as blood is thicker than water .... Bit it is not something we want"

Funny i have fa.ily in deepest cork & theyd happily take in there cousins from the North.

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By *oguish1Man
over a year ago

Carrigrohane


"Maybe. I can see one downside, though. If you lived in the Republic, would you really be happy with trying to assimilate nearly 870,000 arseholes who hate your guts?

So funny ..... Im from the deep south .... And that is our fear ... We would have to take them as blood is thicker than water .... Bit it is not something we want

Funny i have fa.ily in deepest cork & theyd happily take in there cousins from the North

Im sure that is the case ..... Bit they are blinded the 900 years thing .... And get the brits out ..... Most of the rest of us are happy with things the way they are .... Pease but the UK pays for the bigots on both sides .....

"

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By *hMyGawdCouple
over a year ago

Midlands

Is it not the case that the majority in N.I. wish to be in the Union?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Maybe. I can see one downside, though. If you lived in the Republic, would you really be happy with trying to assimilate nearly 870,000 arseholes who hate your guts?

So funny ..... Im from the deep south .... And that is our fear ... We would have to take them as blood is thicker than water .... Bit it is not something we want

Funny i have fa.ily in deepest cork & theyd happily take in there cousins from the North

Im sure that is the case ..... Bit they are blinded the 900 years thing .... And get the brits out ..... Most of the rest of us are happy with things the way they are .... Pease but the UK pays for the bigots on both sides .....

"

To suggest they are bkinded or bigoted shows your own bigotry surely ?

Dev did the dirty on the north

No more to be said on that .

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

It shouldn't be about what politicians or predominantly people living in Great Britain want but about the populations of north and south only.

Just imagining having many brexit and uk remainers gaining harmony is tough, when lifelong dreams may be killed off and aspirations for your country trashed. The Peace Agreement was very tough, so I'd imagine that a unification, just from the aspects of people accepting how integration could be acceptable, let alone all of the fiscal and legal aspects, would take enormous efforts.

But it's not my call, as an outsider.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Wouldn’t it be better that Ireland was reunified, so brexit can be solved.

Really most people on the mainland don’t care about Northern Ireland. To many, it’s Ireland, but less friendly. I’ve never known anyone willingly wanting to travel there. Preferring to go to the better Ireland in the south.

Many mainland brexiteers said that if they could get brexit done quicker they would throw the Ulster unionists under the bus and give NI to the Good Ireland in the south.

Can those unionists in the north give any real justification of why NI should be part of the UK for, what do they bring to the table? As far as I can see NI doesn’t really bring anything.

"

.

The better Ireland in the South!!

Id recommended you don't open your mouth anywhere in the North that's for sure

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Wouldn’t it be better that Ireland was reunified, so brexit can be solved.

Really most people on the mainland don’t care about Northern Ireland. To many, it’s Ireland, but less friendly. I’ve never known anyone willingly wanting to travel there. Preferring to go to the better Ireland in the south.

Many mainland brexiteers said that if they could get brexit done quicker they would throw the Ulster unionists under the bus and give NI to the Good Ireland in the south.

Can those unionists in the north give any real justification of why NI should be part of the UK for, what do they bring to the table? As far as I can see NI doesn’t really bring anything.

"

. It would be interesting to see if you would be prepared to go into a pub in East Belfast and repeat your comments about not knowing anyone who willing wanted to travel to Northern Ireland and considered the better Ireland to be in the South.

The majority of people in Northern Ireland want to remain as part of the UK . You might also find that the better Ireland to which you refer is not any better at all. As already pointed out by another poster there is no free NHS in the South of Ireland.

The residents of Northern Ireland contribute to the UK taxation system just like any other part of the UK.

It is difficult to see what possible relevance Ireland has to Brexit. It is a small country in the overall scheme of things .

Any issues with the border will be solved by technology.

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By *he chef 45Man
over a year ago

Banbridge

Northern Ireland is as much part of the UK as Gloustershire or anywhere else thousands of N Irish men and women have fought for and many hundreds died for the United Kingdom so as long as the majority of people wish to remain UK citizens let democracy work and nothing against the good people of southern Ireland many of whom are family I believe we live in the better part of this wonderful island

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Northern Ireland is as much part of the UK as Gloustershire or anywhere else thousands of N Irish men and women have fought for and many hundreds died for the United Kingdom so as long as the majority of people wish to remain UK citizens let democracy work and nothing against the good people of southern Ireland many of whom are family I believe we live in the better part of this wonderful island"
.

I couldn't disagree with you

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By *he chef 45Man
over a year ago

Banbridge

Thanks

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I can think of hundreds of reasons . But my starter for ten is that there is no NHS in the south as in the NHS as we know it in the UK. Best get your private healthcare sorted. "

Don't worry, once Boris wins the rest of the UK won't have much of an NHS either, so NI can check that reason off

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 08/12/19 09:39:46]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Wou

The majority of people in Northern Ireland want to remain as part of the UK . "

The Majority of Northern Ireland is very close to changing from a Protestant majority to a Catholic majority.

In 2021 there will be a higher percentage of Catholics in the North.

The last census in 2011 put the Protestant population at 48%, just 3% more than Catholics at 45%.

More recent figures from 2016 show that among those of working age 44% are now Catholic and 40% Protestant.

The difference is even more marked among schoolchildren with 51% Catholic, 37% Protestant.

Only among the over 60s is there a majority of Protestants with 57%, compared to Catholics on 35%.

Dr Nolan said: "Three years from now we will end up, I think, in the ironic situation on the centenary of the state where we actually have a state that has a Catholic majority."

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"Wou

The majority of people in Northern Ireland want to remain as part of the UK .

The Majority of Northern Ireland is very close to changing from a Protestant majority to a Catholic majority.

In 2021 there will be a higher percentage of Catholics in the North.

The last census in 2011 put the Protestant population at 48%, just 3% more than Catholics at 45%.

More recent figures from 2016 show that among those of working age 44% are now Catholic and 40% Protestant.

The difference is even more marked among schoolchildren with 51% Catholic, 37% Protestant.

Only among the over 60s is there a majority of Protestants with 57%, compared to Catholics on 35%.

Dr Nolan said: "Three years from now we will end up, I think, in the ironic situation on the centenary of the state where we actually have a state that has a Catholic majority."

"

Yes but many of those catholics dont want a United ireland. I personally know hundreds of catholics who no way want a united ireland . Just because u are a catholic doesn’t mean u want a united ireland

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By *ittleAcornMan
over a year ago

visiting the beach


"

The residents of Northern Ireland contribute to the UK taxation system just like any other part of the UK.

"

I love NI, been there plenty of times. I also think it is for both Ireland to continue determining their future (not Westminster).

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 08/12/19 10:47:36]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Wou

The majority of people in Northern Ireland want to remain as part of the UK .

The Majority of Northern Ireland is very close to changing from a Protestant majority to a Catholic majority.

In 2021 there will be a higher percentage of Catholics in the North.

The last census in 2011 put the Protestant population at 48%, just 3% more than Catholics at 45%.

More recent figures from 2016 show that among those of working age 44% are now Catholic and 40% Protestant.

The difference is even more marked among schoolchildren with 51% Catholic, 37% Protestant.

Only among the over 60s is there a majority of Protestants with 57%, compared to Catholics on 35%.

Dr Nolan said: "Three years from now we will end up, I think, in the ironic situation on the centenary of the state where we actually have a state that has a Catholic majority."

Yes but many of those catholics dont want a United ireland. I personally know hundreds of catholics who no way want a united ireland . Just because u are a catholic doesn’t mean u want a united ireland"

I know hundreds of thousands who do

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"Wou

The majority of people in Northern Ireland want to remain as part of the UK .

The Majority of Northern Ireland is very close to changing from a Protestant majority to a Catholic majority.

In 2021 there will be a higher percentage of Catholics in the North.

The last census in 2011 put the Protestant population at 48%, just 3% more than Catholics at 45%.

More recent figures from 2016 show that among those of working age 44% are now Catholic and 40% Protestant.

The difference is even more marked among schoolchildren with 51% Catholic, 37% Protestant.

Only among the over 60s is there a majority of Protestants with 57%, compared to Catholics on 35%.

Dr Nolan said: "Three years from now we will end up, I think, in the ironic situation on the centenary of the state where we actually have a state that has a Catholic majority."

Yes but many of those catholics dont want a United ireland. I personally know hundreds of catholics who no way want a united ireland . Just because u are a catholic doesn’t mean u want a united ireland

I know hundreds of thousands who do

"

You personally know hundreds of thousands of carholics,? Wow

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

The residents of Northern Ireland contribute to the UK taxation system just like any other part of the UK.

I love NI, been there plenty of times. I also think it is for both Ireland to continue determining their future (not Westminster).

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region. "

Perhaps the new tories actually want to get shot of this loss making part of the country

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Wou

The majority of people in Northern Ireland want to remain as part of the UK .

The Majority of Northern Ireland is very close to changing from a Protestant majority to a Catholic majority.

In 2021 there will be a higher percentage of Catholics in the North.

The last census in 2011 put the Protestant population at 48%, just 3% more than Catholics at 45%.

More recent figures from 2016 show that among those of working age 44% are now Catholic and 40% Protestant.

The difference is even more marked among schoolchildren with 51% Catholic, 37% Protestant.

Only among the over 60s is there a majority of Protestants with 57%, compared to Catholics on 35%.

Dr Nolan said: "Three years from now we will end up, I think, in the ironic situation on the centenary of the state where we actually have a state that has a Catholic majority."

Yes but many of those catholics dont want a United ireland. I personally know hundreds of catholics who no way want a united ireland . Just because u are a catholic doesn’t mean u want a united ireland

I know hundreds of thousands who do

You personally know hundreds of thousands of carholics,? Wow"

Yup

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It’s a grand day to be Irish. At least, that’s what many Britons appear to think.

Approximately 20,000 more first-time passports were issued to U.K. residents in the first six months of the year than were issued to Irish citizens, according to the Irish Passport Office. It said that 78,744 first-time passportswere issued to residents of the U.K. and the British provence of Northern Ireland during the first six months of 2019 compared to the 60,300 passports issued to Irish citizens. Based on those figures, the number of Irish passports being issued to U.K. residents has now likely exceeded 80,000.

Then there are lots more applging for passports from the uk

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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago

yumsville


"Wouldn’t it be better that Ireland was reunified, so brexit can be solved.

Really most people on the mainland don’t care about Northern Ireland. To many, it’s Ireland, but less friendly. I’ve never known anyone willingly wanting to travel there. Preferring to go to the better Ireland in the south.

Many mainland brexiteers said that if they could get brexit done quicker they would throw the Ulster unionists under the bus and give NI to the Good Ireland in the south.

Can those unionists in the north give any real justification of why NI should be part of the UK for, what do they bring to the table? As far as I can see NI doesn’t really bring anything.

"

I's a bit like a cheese rolling contest. I know, lets push an Edam down a hill, at the cost of the NHS and taxpayer, for the sake of pints and history. Lets have people die for a slab of ol stinky because it's in the very well regarded and not forgetting financial hub of the UK..... Gloucester.

What Gloucester doesn't bring to the table isn't worth bringing. If they were to ever annex themselves from the UK, the rest of us would be in such a mess. I can imagine there are above top secret protocols in place such is their contribution to UK life, its economy and social harmony.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Wou

The majority of people in Northern Ireland want to remain as part of the UK .

The Majority of Northern Ireland is very close to changing from a Protestant majority to a Catholic majority.

In 2021 there will be a higher percentage of Catholics in the North.

The last census in 2011 put the Protestant population at 48%, just 3% more than Catholics at 45%.

More recent figures from 2016 show that among those of working age 44% are now Catholic and 40% Protestant.

The difference is even more marked among schoolchildren with 51% Catholic, 37% Protestant.

Only among the over 60s is there a majority of Protestants with 57%, compared to Catholics on 35%.

Dr Nolan said: "Three years from now we will end up, I think, in the ironic situation on the centenary of the state where we actually have a state that has a Catholic majority."

Yes but many of those catholics dont want a United ireland. I personally know hundreds of catholics who no way want a united ireland . Just because u are a catholic doesn’t mean u want a united ireland

I know hundreds of thousands who do

"

A recent survey indicated that only 23% of the citizens of Northern Ireland were in favour unification so it will be a fun time into the future if Ireland were ever to be united.

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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago

Bristol East

The people of Northern Ireland have the right to self-determination.

Their choice.

Not one for anyone else to make.

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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago

Bristol East


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region. "

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

"

Not forgetting that the treasury pay hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to Sinn Fein MPs who never enter the Houses of Parliament do do the job they are paid for ( no idea why that has been allowed to happen for 40years) and are currently paying millions of pounds to MLAs who cannot do their jobs because Sinn Fein refuse to go back to work unless all their red lines are met. Effectively holding the province to ransom as part of their latest plan to destroy Northern Ireland as a region.

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By *avidnsa69Man
over a year ago

Essex & Bridgend


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

"

Don't forget the bribery money from the Tories to try and keep the DUP onside

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By *avidnsa69Man
over a year ago

Essex & Bridgend


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

Not forgetting that the treasury pay hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to Sinn Fein MPs who never enter the Houses of Parliament do do the job they are paid for ( no idea why that has been allowed to happen for 40years) and are currently paying millions of pounds to MLAs who cannot do their jobs because Sinn Fein refuse to go back to work unless all their red lines are met. Effectively holding the province to ransom as part of their latest plan to destroy Northern Ireland as a region."

Are you still alleging that Sinn Fein Mps get paid salaries? It was tosh the last time you posted that and it still is this time

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

Not forgetting that the treasury pay hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to Sinn Fein MPs who never enter the Houses of Parliament do do the job they are paid for ( no idea why that has been allowed to happen for 40years) and are currently paying millions of pounds to MLAs who cannot do their jobs because Sinn Fein refuse to go back to work unless all their red lines are met. Effectively holding the province to ransom as part of their latest plan to destroy Northern Ireland as a region.

Are you still alleging that Sinn Fein Mps get paid salaries? It was tosh the last time you posted that and it still is this time"

They get paid hundreds of thousands of pounds a year in expenses and allowances for staff, travel and office costs. Look it up.

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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago

Bristol East


"

Are you still alleging that Sinn Fein Mps get paid salaries? It was tosh the last time you posted that and it still is this time"

I believe MPs representing Sinn Fein do everything any other MP does, except sit in the House of Commons.

They do the caseload like any other MP and take the salary like any other MP.

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By *ichael McCarthyMan
over a year ago

Lucan


"

Are you still alleging that Sinn Fein Mps get paid salaries? It was tosh the last time you posted that and it still is this time

I believe MPs representing Sinn Fein do everything any other MP does, except sit in the House of Commons.

They do the caseload like any other MP and take the salary like any other MP.

"

They don't get paid their salaries.

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By *ichael McCarthyMan
over a year ago

Lucan


"Wou

The majority of people in Northern Ireland want to remain as part of the UK .

The Majority of Northern Ireland is very close to changing from a Protestant majority to a Catholic majority.

In 2021 there will be a higher percentage of Catholics in the North.

The last census in 2011 put the Protestant population at 48%, just 3% more than Catholics at 45%.

More recent figures from 2016 show that among those of working age 44% are now Catholic and 40% Protestant.

The difference is even more marked among schoolchildren with 51% Catholic, 37% Protestant.

Only among the over 60s is there a majority of Protestants with 57%, compared to Catholics on 35%.

Dr Nolan said: "Three years from now we will end up, I think, in the ironic situation on the centenary of the state where we actually have a state that has a Catholic majority."

Yes but many of those catholics dont want a United ireland. I personally know hundreds of catholics who no way want a united ireland . Just because u are a catholic doesn’t mean u want a united ireland

I know hundreds of thousands who do

A recent survey indicated that only 23% of the citizens of Northern Ireland were in favour unification so it will be a fun time into the future if Ireland were ever to be united. "

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

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By *ittleAcornMan
over a year ago

visiting the beach


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

"

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

"

Ye’ll probably have Brexit sorted out by then as well !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

"

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night."

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either."

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language . "

Speaking Irish has nothing to do with being Irish...

Name one country (apart from Ireland) who's National Holiday is celebrated practically everywhere....

Not knowing how to speak Irish is almost a badge of honour, we almost pride ourselves on not knowing how to speak it after 10 odd years of schooling...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either."

.

First question,It's something magical in the soil that makes people Irish then?.

How does that work on Irish people who left when they were say five, Irish or not Irish, half Irish?.

Second question, this statement you made "The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border".

How come they didn't take to the magical Irish soil?.

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language .

Speaking Irish has nothing to do with being Irish...

Name one country (apart from Ireland) who's National Holiday is celebrated practically everywhere....

Not knowing how to speak Irish is almost a badge of honour, we almost pride ourselves on not knowing how to speak it after 10 odd years of schooling..."

Everywhere ?..... lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language .

Speaking Irish has nothing to do with being Irish...

Name one country (apart from Ireland) who's National Holiday is celebrated practically everywhere....

Not knowing how to speak Irish is almost a badge of honour, we almost pride ourselves on not knowing how to speak it after 10 odd years of schooling...

Everywhere ?..... lol"

Well....everywhere except 'The North'...

but then again, yez have 'The Glorious 12th'....

Nobody else has that... lol...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language .

Speaking Irish has nothing to do with being Irish...

Name one country (apart from Ireland) who's National Holiday is celebrated practically everywhere....

Not knowing how to speak Irish is almost a badge of honour, we almost pride ourselves on not knowing how to speak it after 10 odd years of schooling...

Everywhere ?..... lol"

.

Well everywhere that sells alcohol,tesco, Sainsburys, co-op, shitty gift shops that sell stupid Guinness hats, there all Irish one day a year.

That magical soil must be being exported

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By *leasure domMan
over a year ago

Edinburgh

As demographics are shifting and some polls indicate a majority in NI in favour of reunification, the best way would be to ask the people what they want (reunification: yes or no), alongside every GE.

That would be the democratic way.

Unfortunately, democracy in Britain is dysfunctional in so, so many ways.

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language .

Speaking Irish has nothing to do with being Irish...

Name one country (apart from Ireland) who's National Holiday is celebrated practically everywhere....

Not knowing how to speak Irish is almost a badge of honour, we almost pride ourselves on not knowing how to speak it after 10 odd years of schooling..."

Name one country ( apart from Ireland) where only 2% of the population speak the recognised , accepted and politically mandated language . France ?, Italy , Germany ?, China , Holland , Spain , Portugal ?.... etc etc etc etc. I haven’t got the figures at hand but unless you are a foreign worker or migrant in those countries , 99.9999% of most countries in the world speak their national language . Irish language act anyone ?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language .

Speaking Irish has nothing to do with being Irish...

Name one country (apart from Ireland) who's National Holiday is celebrated practically everywhere....

Not knowing how to speak Irish is almost a badge of honour, we almost pride ourselves on not knowing how to speak it after 10 odd years of schooling...

Name one country ( apart from Ireland) where only 2% of the population speak the recognised , accepted and politically mandated language . France ?, Italy , Germany ?, China , Holland , Spain , Portugal ?.... etc etc etc etc. I haven’t got the figures at hand but unless you are a foreign worker or migrant in those countries , 99.9999% of most countries in the world speak their national language . Irish language act anyone ?"

We don't speak English by choice. It's been centuries, possibly a millennia since the majority of people in Ireland spoke the 'national' language.

It was driven out of us through torture and genocide. Only a recent as the mid 1800's was there a program to re-introduce the language through education, however by then it was too late. The population of Ireland in the early to mid 1800's was close on 8.5 million, by the 1960's it was about 3 or thereabouts.

The teaching of Irish in schools has long been a problem, with an emphasis on grammar and writing rather than simply speaking the language, as a result most pupils simply 'turn off'.

It's almost like teaching Latin... what is the point ?

The fact that we adopted the language of 'the oppressor has been to our benefit, The Irish have made more inroads to other 'English Speaking' countries than most other countries, notably the USA.

Having Irish as a 'first language' even today, is a bit of a joke, considering how few speak it, or even understand it, but nonetheless it's there, so what is the harm. It's ours to do with what we please.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"As demographics are shifting and some polls indicate a majority in NI in favour of reunification, the best way would be to ask the people what they want (reunification: yes or no), alongside every GE.

That would be the democratic way.

Unfortunately, democracy in Britain is dysfunctional in so, so many ways."

.

I whole heartedly agree with you but..

Apparently asking citizens tricky questions is beyond them and they need being told what to do instead.

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language .

Speaking Irish has nothing to do with being Irish...

Name one country (apart from Ireland) who's National Holiday is celebrated practically everywhere....

Not knowing how to speak Irish is almost a badge of honour, we almost pride ourselves on not knowing how to speak it after 10 odd years of schooling...

Name one country ( apart from Ireland) where only 2% of the population speak the recognised , accepted and politically mandated language . France ?, Italy , Germany ?, China , Holland , Spain , Portugal ?.... etc etc etc etc. I haven’t got the figures at hand but unless you are a foreign worker or migrant in those countries , 99.9999% of most countries in the world speak their national language . Irish language act anyone ?

We don't speak English by choice. It's been centuries, possibly a millennia since the majority of people in Ireland spoke the 'national' language.

It was driven out of us through torture and genocide. Only a recent as the mid 1800's was there a program to re-introduce the language through education, however by then it was too late. The population of Ireland in the early to mid 1800's was close on 8.5 million, by the 1960's it was about 3 or thereabouts.

The teaching of Irish in schools has long been a problem, with an emphasis on grammar and writing rather than simply speaking the language, as a result most pupils simply 'turn off'.

It's almost like teaching Latin... what is the point ?

The fact that we adopted the language of 'the oppressor has been to our benefit, The Irish have made more inroads to other 'English Speaking' countries than most other countries, notably the USA.

Having Irish as a 'first language' even today, is a bit of a joke, considering how few speak it, or even understand it, but nonetheless it's there, so what is the harm. It's ours to do with what we please.

"

The Irish had Irish tortured out of them... interesting . And as for your assertion that no one in Ireland speaks their national language ; yet in Northern Ireland where it’s 0.2%, Sinn Fein want a n Irish language act, where street signs , court papers, public buildings, street names etc etc etc is all in Irish as well?. Ah well, this is just another part of the United ireland campaign. They couldn’t bomb and murder their way to a united ireland so now it’s destroy the institutions and surround everyone with the Irish language which isn’t practically spoken in a single country in the world , even in the country named after its language!!!!!

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By *evil_u_knowMan
over a year ago

city


"Name one country ( apart from Ireland) where only 2% of the population speak the recognised , accepted and politically mandated language . France ?, Italy , Germany ?, China , Holland , Spain , Portugal ?.... etc etc etc etc. I haven’t got the figures at hand but unless you are a foreign worker or migrant in those countries , 99.9999% of most countries in the world speak their national language . Irish language act anyone ?"

India. They have 22 official languages, and in some states the mandated language is spoken by less than 0.01% of the population.

You mentioned China, but yes, china also has this occur. Portuguese is an offical mandated language in parts of China.

Also you mention spain, and I hate to break it to you but they have more than one official mandated language in their country too.

2% of people speaking a language, having that language an official mandated language is a none issue, as long as you can speak one of the languages its a non issue, just like its a non issue in India, China, Spain, etc etc etc. Just like its a non issue for welsh people to speak Welsh if they want. They can speak English too so who cares.

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By *evil_u_knowMan
over a year ago

city


"Wouldn’t it be better that Ireland was reunified, so brexit can be solved. "

From the mainlands point of view, and removing politics from the equation and looking at economics, yes it would be better.

Northern Ireland is such a black hole money wise that dumping it could actually make a profit of any loss due to brexit with the EU, as Ireland and the EU would have to plug that hole, and the Uk would be free from it.

From a northern Ireland point of view, well there is also good reason for them to want it. Belfast becoming the second biggest city in Ireland with a huge say in what Ireland does now, vs being told to fuck right off by the UK as soon as brexit is done.

Plus, the NHS is worse in northern Ireland than the rest of the UK, its so bad there that the horrible HSE of Ireland might actually be either a step up, its a side step at least, its no loss to the people of northern Ireland.

From a political point of view, its a bad idea for bot sides.

From an economic point of view its a bad Idea for ireland and they have openly said as much.

So yeah, its a fantastic idea if you are from England/Wales/Scotland. I think the mindset for a huge percet of English people is "I see no difference in Northern Ireland leaving the UK than Enland leaving the EU." They seen no deep connection to the place.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together. "

So we are staying in Europe then ?

Well done EU

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"

the Irish language which isn’t practically spoken in a single country in the world , even in the country named after its language!!!!!"

Èireann = Ireland

Gaeilge = Gaelic

giotán amaideach

Not sure where you get a named after the langauge statement from

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together. "
Well said. Not only is Northern Ireland part of the UK it is also one of the most patriotic parts of the UK. We should never forget those who fought and died for the country.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together. Well said. Not only is Northern Ireland part of the UK it is also one of the most patriotic parts of the UK. We should never forget those who fought and died for the country. "
You forgot anlot of the chaps in Africa .

You know the non white ones .

No crosses there .

The unremembered Britains forgotten war heroes

Channel 4 programme introduced by david lammy.

Graves of those who fought for the crown getting pissed on by dogs

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Remember, a vote for brexit is a vote for a United ireland. The DUP will Suffer because they are a bunch of known collaborators to the

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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago

Bristol East


" Well said. Not only is Northern Ireland part of the UK it is also one of the most patriotic parts of the UK. We should never forget those who fought and died for the country. "

Hoorah!

Three cheers for her Maj.

Up ra Ra!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 11/12/19 02:22:50]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Remember, a vote for brexit is a vote for a United ireland. The DUP will Suffer because they are a bunch of known collaborators to the

"

A United Ireland is happening within 10 years regardless of breg-zit

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By *leasure domMan
over a year ago

Edinburgh

Yeah, like the union is one of equals and not at all dominated by one abusive partner.

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By *ljamMan
over a year ago

Edinburgh

I remember many years ago a teacher of mine telling me that a united Ireland was inevitable in time due to the different birth rates between Protestant and Catholic families. Maybe it won't be for a while, but I can see the tipping point coming. As for me, I'd rather not see a united Ireland for selfish reasons. If it ever happened a lot of those maniacal, dinosaur denying, DUP mad bigots would probably end up moving to Scotland. No thanks.

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By *ichael McCarthyMan
over a year ago

Lucan


"The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together. "

So when the majority vote for an end to partition will you describe that as "selling off" a part of the country?

I wonder how the pro brexit unionist voters will view it, knowing that they themselves sped up the inevitable?

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By *ichael McCarthyMan
over a year ago

Lucan


"The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together. Well said. Not only is Northern Ireland part of the UK it is also one of the most patriotic parts of the UK. We should never forget those who fought and died for the country. "

Patriotic indeed... Very close to half of the population, and growing, refuse to recognise the union flag as theirs

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together. "

Just heard on the radio, that one of the major opinion polls has the Tories firmly in the lead, but they could not rule out a hung Parliament.

This survey was carried out across the whole of the UK.... EXCEPT Northern Ireland !!

They must know something we don’t !

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By *ichael McCarthyMan
over a year ago

Lucan


"The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together.

Just heard on the radio, that one of the major opinion polls has the Tories firmly in the lead, but they could not rule out a hung Parliament.

This survey was carried out across the whole of the UK.... EXCEPT Northern Ireland !!

They must know something we don’t !"

But, but, but, it's just as British as Finchley!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I remember many years ago a teacher of mine telling me that a united Ireland was inevitable in time due to the different birth rates between Protestant and Catholic families. Maybe it won't be for a while, but I can see the tipping point coming. As for me, I'd rather not see a united Ireland for selfish reasons. If it ever happened a lot of those maniacal, dinosaur denying, DUP mad bigots would probably end up moving to Scotland. No thanks. "
.

Your teacher was correct it is inevitable but alas the

Birth rates in the South are well below replacement rates as well.

Given a hundred+ years time the entire island of Ireland disappears up it's own arse.

Life was never a constant

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 11/12/19 13:57:57]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Catholic majority of voting age in 2021.

Roll on the new era

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"Catholic majority of voting age in 2021.

Roll on the new era"

So what. Just because you are catholic doesn’t mean you want a united ireland . Duh.

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By *ichael McCarthyMan
over a year ago

Lucan


"Catholic majority of voting age in 2021.

Roll on the new era

So what. Just because you are catholic doesn’t mean you want a united ireland . Duh."

Bizarre then that the single party unionist government discriminated so heavily against them for all of its existence.

The chickens will come home to roost soon enough

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By *avidnsa69Man
over a year ago

Essex & Bridgend


"The north is part of the UK ...They sent men to fight and die for this country. So to anyone who would sell this part of the country off to satisfy there own narrow minded ideals.....Your a disgrace and your ideals and morals are from the gutter....The idea of any union is just that a Union...We stand and fall together. "

A lot fought and died from the south too or does that not fit your narrative?

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By *avidnsa69Man
over a year ago

Essex & Bridgend


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

Not forgetting that the treasury pay hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to Sinn Fein MPs who never enter the Houses of Parliament do do the job they are paid for ( no idea why that has been allowed to happen for 40years) and are currently paying millions of pounds to MLAs who cannot do their jobs because Sinn Fein refuse to go back to work unless all their red lines are met. Effectively holding the province to ransom as part of their latest plan to destroy Northern Ireland as a region.

Are you still alleging that Sinn Fein Mps get paid salaries? It was tosh the last time you posted that and it still is this time

They get paid hundreds of thousands of pounds a year in expenses and allowances for staff, travel and office costs. Look it up.

"

I know exactly what they get. You have continually implied that they receive salaries as MPs: they dont

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By *iseekingbiCouple
over a year ago

N ireland and West Midlands

[Removed by poster at 12/12/19 07:39:36]

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By *iseekingbiCouple
over a year ago

N ireland and West Midlands


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

Not forgetting that the treasury pay hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to Sinn Fein MPs who never enter the Houses of Parliament do do the job they are paid for ( no idea why that has been allowed to happen for 40years) and are currently paying millions of pounds to MLAs who cannot do their jobs because Sinn Fein refuse to go back to work unless all their red lines are met. Effectively holding the province to ransom as part of their latest plan to destroy Northern Ireland as a region."

This is a completely one sided view

Can I give you some objective facts

Sinn Fein have been an abstentionist party for 100 years, they are elected on a platform of not taking their seats and say they have no business in Westminster

I think people in the U.K. know who is holding up Stormont getting back up and running - the DUP and their opposition to an Irish language Act, abortion and gay marriage reform. Tho the Westminster parliament have dealt with the last 2 issues and behalf of the DUP throwbacks

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By *iseekingbiCouple
over a year ago

N ireland and West Midlands


"

This is the most recent survey...

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/slight-majority-for-unification-in-northern-ireland-poll-1.4015170

Interesting read. Very much the older generation holding back the change. Give it 10-20 years there will be a clear majority.

.

In twenty years Ireland will look very different anyhow.

17% of the population were already born outside of Ireland, the birth rate is well below replacement rate at 1.75 childs per woman, the 3.9 million Irish will soon be swallowed up by an awful lot of people who couldn't give two hoots to the n.Ireland problems.

It's just a matter of time before "Ireland and the Irish" are gone forever like those two rhinos on Attenboroughs show last night.

Have you actually ever been to Ireland ???

A basic history lesson taught to primary school children is the phrase 'more Irish than the Irish themselves' or as they used to say back then 'Níos Gaelaí ná na Gaeil féin'

A phrase used in Irish history lessons to describe a phenomenon of cultural assimilation (pre the BORG even) in medieval Norman Ireland, where the 'Conquerors' adopted language and customs of the Irish, and became 'Irish'.

Even today go into any town in Ireland and you'll see Polish, Romanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Russian and many more besides speaking English with distinct Irish dialect, even getting better grades in the Irish language than the natives !!

Just on 10 years ago we were in the depths of a recession... new we have almost full employment. The country may not be perfect, but it's far from a basket case.

The 'North' to many is a different country, you can 'feel' the difference as soon as you cross the 'invisible' border.

There are probably more Union Flags on display in certain areas of the North, than in the whole of mainland UK.

I don't think there is anywhere in the UK where the 'Union' is more proudly on display than 'The North'

Of course I'm being generalistic here, but being 'Irish' is something you will only 'get' by living here....

The 'North'... to be perfectly honest, many of us don't really take any notice of what goes on up there.. and we certainly don't yearn that much for it either.

According to the 2016 Irish census , 2% of the population of Ireland speak Irish as their main language. 2%.

According to the 2011 NI census, 0.2% of the NI population speak Irish regularly with 6% have varying degrees of knowledge of the language .

Speaking Irish has nothing to do with being Irish...

Name one country (apart from Ireland) who's National Holiday is celebrated practically everywhere....

Not knowing how to speak Irish is almost a badge of honour, we almost pride ourselves on not knowing how to speak it after 10 odd years of schooling...

Name one country ( apart from Ireland) where only 2% of the population speak the recognised , accepted and politically mandated language . France ?, Italy , Germany ?, China , Holland , Spain , Portugal ?.... etc etc etc etc. I haven’t got the figures at hand but unless you are a foreign worker or migrant in those countries , 99.9999% of most countries in the world speak their national language . Irish language act anyone ?

We don't speak English by choice. It's been centuries, possibly a millennia since the majority of people in Ireland spoke the 'national' language.

It was driven out of us through torture and genocide. Only a recent as the mid 1800's was there a program to re-introduce the language through education, however by then it was too late. The population of Ireland in the early to mid 1800's was close on 8.5 million, by the 1960's it was about 3 or thereabouts.

The teaching of Irish in schools has long been a problem, with an emphasis on grammar and writing rather than simply speaking the language, as a result most pupils simply 'turn off'.

It's almost like teaching Latin... what is the point ?

The fact that we adopted the language of 'the oppressor has been to our benefit, The Irish have made more inroads to other 'English Speaking' countries than most other countries, notably the USA.

Having Irish as a 'first language' even today, is a bit of a joke, considering how few speak it, or even understand it, but nonetheless it's there, so what is the harm. It's ours to do with what we please.

The Irish had Irish tortured out of them... interesting . And as for your assertion that no one in Ireland speaks their national language ; yet in Northern Ireland where it’s 0.2%, Sinn Fein want a n Irish language act, where street signs , court papers, public buildings, street names etc etc etc is all in Irish as well?. Ah well, this is just another part of the United ireland campaign. They couldn’t bomb and murder their way to a united ireland so now it’s destroy the institutions and surround everyone with the Irish language which isn’t practically spoken in a single country in the world , even in the country named after its language!!!!!"

A load of bigoted orange bile

Have a block

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By *an For YouMan
over a year ago

belfast/holywood


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

Not forgetting that the treasury pay hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to Sinn Fein MPs who never enter the Houses of Parliament do do the job they are paid for ( no idea why that has been allowed to happen for 40years) and are currently paying millions of pounds to MLAs who cannot do their jobs because Sinn Fein refuse to go back to work unless all their red lines are met. Effectively holding the province to ransom as part of their latest plan to destroy Northern Ireland as a region.

This is a completely one sided view

Can I give you some objective facts

Sinn Fein have been an abstentionist party for 100 years, they are elected on a platform of not taking their seats and say they have no business in Westminster

I think people in the U.K. know who is holding up Stormont getting back up and running - the DUP and their opposition to an Irish language Act, abortion and gay marriage reform. Tho the Westminster parliament have dealt with the last 2 issues and behalf of the DUP throwbacks"

In the rest of the devolved regions there are democratic elections and elected representatives govern. But here we have a party who walked out in a hissy fit because Arlene foster refused to stand down ( 2 days ago Sinn Fein stared that red line had gone because a public inquiry was held), the walked out because they couldn’t get gay marriage or abortion legalised ( which incidentally was not in their short lived non deal with the DUP), but both have now been sorted by Westminister. So that just leaves their demand of a stand alone Irish language act before they would agree to un collapse Stormont. Never mind the NHS, schools, welfare cuts or anything that could remotely help the people of Nirthern Ireland. That’s because Sinn Fein /IRA policy has always been to destroy Northern Ireland , Brits our, face down the unionists and destroying Stormont is no different to planting no notice bombs. So let’s have an Irish language act for the 0.2% of the population who speak it . Road signs , court papers, all job interviews for public sector jobs etc etc etc. It’s just another gun to the head of Northern Irish people . It’s just a pity that successive UK governments have been too soft to tell Sinn Fein to fuck if if they refuse to govern and let other parties who do want to govern , get on with the jobs they are elected to do.

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By *ichael McCarthyMan
over a year ago

Lucan


"

However, factually, NI (like most of the UK, apart from the South East) runs a deficit. So does not really contribute, and actually costs about double per person than the next worse region.

Yes, the "subsidy" per person from the Treasury is far higher in NI than any other part of the UK.

The size of the economy taken up by the public sector is also much bigger than anywhere else.

UK taxpayers keep it afloat, basically.

Not forgetting that the treasury pay hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to Sinn Fein MPs who never enter the Houses of Parliament do do the job they are paid for ( no idea why that has been allowed to happen for 40years) and are currently paying millions of pounds to MLAs who cannot do their jobs because Sinn Fein refuse to go back to work unless all their red lines are met. Effectively holding the province to ransom as part of their latest plan to destroy Northern Ireland as a region.

This is a completely one sided view

Can I give you some objective facts

Sinn Fein have been an abstentionist party for 100 years, they are elected on a platform of not taking their seats and say they have no business in Westminster

I think people in the U.K. know who is holding up Stormont getting back up and running - the DUP and their opposition to an Irish language Act, abortion and gay marriage reform. Tho the Westminster parliament have dealt with the last 2 issues and behalf of the DUP throwbacks

In the rest of the devolved regions there are democratic elections and elected representatives govern. But here we have a party who walked out in a hissy fit because Arlene foster refused to stand down ( 2 days ago Sinn Fein stared that red line had gone because a public inquiry was held), the walked out because they couldn’t get gay marriage or abortion legalised ( which incidentally was not in their short lived non deal with the DUP), but both have now been sorted by Westminister. So that just leaves their demand of a stand alone Irish language act before they would agree to un collapse Stormont. Never mind the NHS, schools, welfare cuts or anything that could remotely help the people of Nirthern Ireland. That’s because Sinn Fein /IRA policy has always been to destroy Northern Ireland , Brits our, face down the unionists and destroying Stormont is no different to planting no notice bombs. So let’s have an Irish language act for the 0.2% of the population who speak it . Road signs , court papers, all job interviews for public sector jobs etc etc etc. It’s just another gun to the head of Northern Irish people . It’s just a pity that successive UK governments have been too soft to tell Sinn Fein to fuck if if they refuse to govern and let other parties who do want to govern , get on with the jobs they are elected to do. "

There are language acts in the other devolved regions and the language act has already been agreed at St Andrews all those years ago. It just hasn't been implemented yet.

Also the SDLP, hardly the same as the IRA, are campaigning for a language act, and even the Alliance party want one implemented.

It amuses me when I see loyalists claiming Fionn Mac Cumhaill as a hero yet ignoring the fact that if he has been a real person he'd have been speaking as Gaeilge. ??

An enormous amount of place-names in Ireland, both north and south, owe their origins to the Irish language and the name in Irish may often contain a wealth of information about these places.

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