On the nature of unionism

There is a rule of thumb that seldom finds itself confronted with embarassing anomalies in Northern Ireland. It applies in equal measure to both communities/political traditions. That is, Unionists are most interesting and engaging when they talk about unionism, and Nationalists when they talk about nationalism. Perhaps for the time being, the converse is best avoided. Steven King with some interesting thoughts on the origins of Unionist sentiment:

…unionism’s roots are to be found in an attachment to a Great Britain that in the early 19th century embodied stable, unbroken democratic and industrial advance unparalleled in Europe. Furthermore, the Union was far less palatable to Dublin Tories and many Orangemen than to those in Ulster who shared the common aim of industrial development, political reform and mixed education.

Indeed, many of the United Irishmen of 1798 – no doubt Gerry’s childhood heroes – became staunch unionists within a few years of 1800. Their attachment to the idea of “nation” was defined by notions of a common citizenship, constitution and history.

Mick Fealty

Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty