"ULSTER NATIONALISM"

abcdefg · "ULSTER NATIONALISM"

Ulster nationalism seeks the independence of Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom without becoming part of the Republic of Ireland. Independence has been supported by groups such as Ulster Third Way and the paramilitary organization known as the Ulster Defence Association.

Ulster nationalism represents a reaction from within Unionism and Loyalism to the uncertain position afforded to the Union by the British government. Its leadership and members have largely all come from within Unionism and have tended to react to what they viewed as crises surrounding the status of Northern Ireland as a part of the United Kingdom, such as the moves towards power sharing in the 1970s or the Belfast Agreement of 1998 which briefly saw the UIM become a minor force. In such instances it has been considered preferable by the supporters of this ideological movement to remove the British dimension either partially (Dominion status) or fully (independence) in order to avoid all-Ireland rule.

However whilst support for Ulster nationalism has tended to be reactive to political change, the theory also underlines the importance of Ulster cultural nationalism and the separate identity of the people of Ulster. As such Ulster nationalist movements have been at the forefront of supporting the Orange Order and upholding the 12th July marches as important parts of this cultural heritage, as well as encouraging the growth of the Ulster Scots language.

Corby Boy

This relates to some of what's been discussed by Congal et al on the 'What will Happen to Ulster when Scotland leaves Uk' thread. I minority it seems hold this view but could grow if Scotland were to leave the UK?

Congal

Newt Emerson a regular contributer to the Irish News in his article on Thursday thought that maybe Ulster could end up something like the situation in Belgium.

Apparently some of the people's alliegence lies with France,some others with Holland. But he says none of these two countries really want them. Sound familar Smile

So they have to get along with each other in Belgium.

I'm not to au fait with the situation in Belgium,so I'm only going by his article.