Empey: unionism has a lot to answer for too…
On Friday, Fionnuala O’Connor picked up a subtly important theme only now emerging from the botched co-option of David Ervine into the UUP’s group at Stormont. For it’s clearest expression she bring us back to last month’s Let’s Talk (Video link, about 29 minutes in). She notes:
A telling line on the Let’s Talk programme was his “this isn’t simply an opportunistic thing” admission of the element that blighted his chance of taking the high moral ground in Stormont. On the same panel Mark Durkan swatted Gregory Campbell’s brazen profession of the DUP’s purity from paramilitary association, past and present, with a ringing: “For years unionist politicians justified the nonsense that loyalist violence was only a reaction to republicans.”Empey acknowledged the SDLP leader, remarkable in itself: “All of us – a lot of us – have not had an absolutely pristine record in terms of dealing with paramilitarism. There’s a lot of truth in what Mark said.” He thought unionist politicians had a responsibility now to “clear up the mess”, because in the 1970s and ’80s they had used paramilitary organisations for political purposes: “That’s a fact.” He recalled that the DUP and his own party had been in the same voting group in Belfast City Council for years with David Ervine’s party and the UDA’s representatives, “and that’s when there was no ceasefire”.
And finally:
It was a point that Ulster Unionists, like the DUP, were in the habit of dismissing angrily at the time, with much abuse of the journalists who put it to them.
Yes, he had been in Vanguard, Empey said, the umbrella group including politicians and paramilitaries which backed the 1974 loyalist strike, “and I think my attitude in 1974 was wrong”. Sir Reg broke ranks, and tore up the pretences. The oddity is that he should have flouted such a tribal rule and had the courage to question his own past so soon after meriting universal scorn. But he did it.
Harry – I think on this one we agree, the political landscape would be completely changed.
At a guess; SF would become a small backbench party with ever-declining support in some constituencies.
Unionists / Northern Protestants would stand to hold the balance of power for a considerable period of time – probably acting as a conservative / centre-right influence on government (a “Grand Orange PD Party!”??). Who knows, the unsung entrepreneurial side of Protestant influence in Ireland could return and make the country a better place for all.
As Ciaran says, Northern nationalists would most likely be split between the traditional Irish parties.
It won’t be this easy though. Though Carson considered himself an Irishman, partition has changed the mindset of unionism so that unionists struggle to find any other word than “Irish” to describe themselves; Ulster, Ulster-Scots, Nor’n-Irish (when abroad) or just British (as most 1st generation immigrants describe themselves once granted citizenship).
Meanwhile, Southerners (most of whom don’t want NI spoiling their party) will float the idea of re-partition before taking on the masses of the politically psychologically damaged and deranged.
‘Tis a long way off Harry!
Ciaran Irvine
Northern nationalists, as a historically embattled community, are reluctant to break ranks, show weakness, and admit that most of their politicians are rubbish – and not at all what they actually want.
It’s exactly the same for Unionists, boy do they feel embattled, some to the point of being psychotic.
In my opinion not enough thought is given to how to achieve an agreed and peaceful reunification one that has an overwhelming support. Unionists have very different backgrounds and those that believe that they will just find their real roots once they take the plunge are either hopeless optimists or delusional.
There is a serious amount of work to be done to build trust and understanding and bring the communities here closer together. It applies both ways United Ireland or staying in Britain
Just imagine how a narrow poll for a united Ireland would go down in Cregagh or Rathcoole? Conversely one to stay in Britain would really go down a treat in South Armagh. It is the receipt mayhem.
My position is I don’t particularly care one way or the other as I don’t feel affection for any state, frankly don’t care who governs me provided they are not totalitarian. The cultural identity arguments are often overplayed and in my case just don’t apply. If anything I would prefer a European state with strong regions and I see Europe as including Turkey and a lot more besides. I am of very mixed background and if anything I am European. So the Irish question doesn’t fit into any vision of mine. It is not important to me.
Rubicon
I’d simply rather have politicians that gave a damn and don’t much care if they’re Irish or British – both are in the EU.
I’m with you on that the EU is one of the best things to happen in the 20th century. We are no longer constrained by our imposed national identities and can travel as we like across much of Europe and live and work in places once forbidden. It liberates free spirits from the limitations of Nationalism dictate, dogma and control.