100 years on: How do today’s Loyalist teenagers see their Northern Irish identity?

[@Desert-Father]

"British values are....bonfires, band parades and orange orders." That must be news to people actually living in Great Britain.

[@stuartkelly3106]

Lol

[@adambrown1654]

Too true

[@EzioAuditoreDaFirenze99]

I've never seen an orange parade in my country of England. What a hateful joke.

[@adambrown1654]

@@EzioAuditoreDaFirenze99 I know, as a person from Dublin , in the Republic of Ireland, I feel extremely comfortable with the English I get along great with the English and I feel very similar to English , the reason being is because we are normal we get on with our lives, work live have fun , we don’t march around lighting fires, the loyalist are a different breed altogether , they are nothing like either of us Irish or English and that’s the truth , the say they do all this crazy in the name of Britain but they don’t realise that it’s not normal behaviour anywhere else

[@EzioAuditoreDaFirenze99]

@@adambrown1654 We don't want the ulster far-right in our union. They are nothing like us. This is the Northern Irish version of the EDL which most people here have disavowed. No Irish man is going to start hunting down or oppressing protestants in a united Ireland, they have nothing to fear unless they stoke hatred.

[@Daniel31415]

I mean, have these “Protestants” never visited the Irish republic? The way they talk about it, you’d think Ireland were Saudi Arabia or North Korea 🤦

[@seanderoiste4661]

Literally tho

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

Ironically,financially the north is Iran,or Mexico,and the south is America. That's a fact,look it up and tell that to unionists who use finance as a reason for not joining the ROI,but especially,tell that fact to the smug southerners who say that the south couldn't afford the north.

[@Unknown-pi5ll]

In Ireland you can’t criticise the government , mass immigration , The lockdown etc without being arrested , losing your job etc .

[@ANARDCUDUBH99]

The Republic of Ireland has become a Liberal equivalent of North Korea or Saudi Arabia

[@Daniel31415]

@@ANARDCUDUBH99 literally, what does that even mean 🤣

[@rolexmongerthethird]

As a welshman and a brit, with a irish father, I often think the northern Irish loyalists are stuck in a 1690s timeloop. Their idea of british patriosim is staunchly very different to mainland British patrioism in the sense that they associate a religious element to it. Any brit outside of Glasgow or Liverpool will understand what I mean.

[@watzon151]

Think people in Northern Ireland realise they are better off being funded by England than Ireland. They govern themselves in Northern Ireland

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

@@watzon151 Ireland is the 2nd richest county in the world per GDP. The U.K is 16th,and the north is 30th,just ahead of Oman. Think some people in the north,don't let silly things like the truth sway their loyalty towards an uncaring family of exorbitant wealth. Tell me,would you rather raise a family in America,or Iran/Mexico?

[@politicaltroll8920]

@@colloquialsoliloquy6391 Don’t know much I’m just a plastic paddy in the US, but isn’t much of that GDP tied to international corporations like Googe, Apple etc? It’s not like it is distributed among the Irish people. Ireland is much better off than in the past but the cost of living is very high as well

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

@@politicaltroll8920 It certainly skews it,but the figures I presented took that skewing into account. In a way,it is distributed among the Irish people,as those who work for those company's,earn fantastic money,increase tax revenue,and east the burden on social welfare. The cost of living is relatively low,compared to the amount of wealth the average person has. Perhaps you will answer; would you rather live in America,or Iran/Mexico,in terms of prosperity?

[@seanderoiste4661]

@@watzon151 Not true most of it is just optics they only care about their Identity. Northern Ireland is better off being in the EU they only get to trade with England plus there is no multi national companies that want to set up there. So no Northern Ireland is not better off being paid by England they’re actually worse due to England never caring for them.

[@nathanoshea2773]

I'm an Irish Catholic and I couldn't give a rats about the border I see everyone as equal we're all people at the end of the day

[@bluechip297]

Great. Will you give up your Irish passport?

[@sirtompo2]

Nathan as a hard line Prod. i thank you on what you said...wish many were like you

[@hammerotongo4677]

Everyone is equal, that's not the question. The question is, would you fight for your country if you felt like you had no choice? Because that is what both sides feel like.

[@stjohnssoup]

@@hammerotongo4677 Westminster wants rid of NI

[@hammerotongo4677]

@@stjohnssoup It's true. Even Churchill didn't want NI. But what happens if the UK leaves and the million+ Ulster Irish declare independence? Does RI have the political will to militarily occupy the Protestant majority areas for the next 200 years? I doubt it. Reuniting Ireland requires that the Gaelic Irish and the Ulster Irish resolve their differences. Any attempt to implement reunification by force will lead to Kosovo 2.0.

[@niallgrew2920]

"There just gonna steal everything from us" lol someone give that lad a history book...

[@Hazed64]

That's the problem they all just ignore history

[@deltawun3641]

😩😩😩 exactly what I was thinking

[@TheRunescapeian]

he's irish, not english. There is a difference. They were fighting them for thousands of years.

[@shellinsight1756]

The left behind, with an ingrained dogma. TO NEVER SURRENDER. The world has changed, but those views remain - Like a message on repeat...

[@shellinsight1756]

The History of Religion and The Keepers of the faith. And that would be the rhetoric of Jesus Christ, and the Royal lineage. Who got embroiled in Power struggles, and the driving force of acquiring territories...

[@adrianduggan4739]

As a southerner it pisses me off how these young people say that we’re out to get them and destroy their culture to the ground. This is simply not true. At every corner we have tried to reach out to unionists and we will keep doing that. What’s values does Britain afford that Ireland does not? They are so similar as countries

[@Rheinmeister09]

Is the problem that Unionists in the North think that Catholics/Republicans in the North are the same as people in the Republic when in fact our mindsets are very different? Granted I went to college in the North towards the end of the 90s but the level of reflexive hate towards anyone from the "other side" Protestant or Catholic was fairly palpable. Caught me off guard when I was working in a very Unionist part of East Belfast and someone asked me what language I was speaking (English language with a West of Ireland accent). Whatever good had been developed over the last 20 years, Brexit has put a serious dent in it over the past few years. My fear is that this push for a United Ireland is way too soon particularly if you still have peace walls all over the North. If the communities can't get a long with each other, how on earth does pouring fuel on the fire of forcing a United Ireland down the throats of Unionists suddenly resolve everything. God help us if Poots becomes the DUP leader!!!

[@mathewfinch]

Much like the right wing religious extremists in the United States, any effort to curtail their ability to suppress others is a form of oppression to them.

[@urbanimage]

@@mathewfinch I've often thought that the Northern Irish 'loyalist' would fit in very well in the souther states.

[@islywynn7678]

@urbanimage the southern US has a lot of ‘Scots-Irish’ heritage.

[@popeyedesailorman5225]

@@urbanimage Doesn't the term "hillbilly" reference settlers of followers of William of Orange?

[@KrisHughes]

I would love to hear these young kids pressed a wee bit to actually define what they think "British values" actually are.

[@ronaldobrien6870]

It's a good question. They seem completely unaware they are regarded as outsiders and not really British at all by the people on the neighbouring island. Their 'British values' are really just Northern Irish loyalist values.

[@colmbloomer8668]

Let them take the British Citizenship test, I bet most of them will fail it.

[@themsmloveswar3985]

They mean a mindset that exists in Lowland and central Scotland, but which is absent elsewhere including most of England and Wales. They are confused. Also they are not serious Protestants. Few of them, if any go to church. The probability that they have read either Testament is low. In fact the probability that they read any lireature considered "Protestant" ( like The Pilgrim's Progress, or biographies of Luther, Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, etc..) is non existent. They are confused.

[@TheAyla2004]

What is the difference between British values and say irish ones.

[@fearnothing3798]

So true Ireland and England are almost indistinguishable when it comes to values . We both speak English, both use common Law , Irish people are heavily influenced by British and English Culture and likewise English people by Irish Culture, Beit premier league football , darts , horse racing, motor sports, music , literature, comedians, movies , tv shows, people, celebraties. I think people from both islands love and hate each other not in any malicious way but like you hate your sports rivals. I think what seperates us in the Republic from the UK is flags and head of state. There's probably loads more but these are the main ones.

[@ec3076]

They are terrified. Terrified that they will be treated the same way they've treated others.

[@sassenachdragon]

Well I’m not sure they’ve been actively treating anyone poorly but they do see how their parents and family have treated Republicans…. But point well taken.

[@EpicAelflaed]

Pointless comment - no wonder you all fight - ignorance against ignorance equals .. where you are today

[@MelFitzpatrick-c4e]

@@EpicAelflaedhe’s just pointing out a fact, no ignorance You are just upset with truth

[@Insertnotrealname]

@@MelFitzpatrick-c4e Truth? What truth?

[@catfootball592]

You mean like the way Irish Protestants were ethically cleansed from Rep Ireland? You can Arab countries were their Jews have gone, and you can ask the Rep Ireland were their Protestants have gone.

[@Nick-kb6jd]

These kids didn't really sound to me like they were speaking from the heart, or with much passion. It sounded like recited dogma. Abandoned by their politicians and the State they feel "loyal" to means that's all that's left. It's a real shame.

[@joemoody7440]

Trying to justify an unjustifiable position leaves you looking like this butch a morons who havn't the slightest understanding of history or humanity!

[@carolinelees8561]

Any clown that believes the English would be loyal to the settlers is in my opinion silly . I’m Scottish bc I was born here to a Scottish father & Irish ☘️ mother. Firstly the English sent the traitors over to divide & conquer my Irish ☘️ ancestors then 150 years they cleared my other ancestors from the highlands along with the side of Scottish traitors them Campbell’s now it’s time for the settlers to pay up to just like both sets of my ancestors albeit my Irish ☘️ ancestors were persucated by fair the worst .

[@joemoody7440]

@Sum Dup 😂😂😂😂 don't like history much????? Moron

[@ratusbagus]

@Sum Dup how long does the oppression need to last before you recognize it? Be careful with your answer. The army isn't going to be British.

[@ratusbagus]

@@carolinelees8561 you sound conflicted, apart from who you blame. The British..... except you are British. It wasn't "the English" that screwed Ireland. It was the British. Scotland playing the larger role.

[@AG-ni8jm]

What on earth are "British Values?" Bonfires apparently

[@Rb1_2_3]

Didn't real elaborate on that point did he - what even is "British Values" - neoliberal free markets which subjugate the most marginal in society - a section of society which working class loyalist inhabit - ironic.

[@theeggtimertictic1136]

and high tea 🍰🥧

[@garybarrett4881]

Believing there should be a constitutional monarch ? Can’t think what else

[@RodneyOwl]

Ulster Scots. Jimmy Saville. Coronation Street. Football hooligans. Stiff Upper Lip. Superiority Complex.

[@johnmcgowan7954]

It's a shame the interviewer didn't tease more elaboration out of them. They may have surprised us - but then again it may have been like asking a Brexiteer which EU laws they didn't like (and not allowing "all of them" as an answer). I genuinely think they may have been capable of articulating things worth thinking about had they been asked - which, as the young lad by the bonfire in the forest alluded, the elected representatives are not.

[@giruy4355]

A 19 year old who sees his loyalism defined as gathering wood for a bonfire .

[@djfhfh]

Thats what it is tho, and flying flags from lamposts and parading, i dont actually see anything eles thats of loyalist culture 🤔

[@djfhfh]

@Kev Fit what about tyres 😂 😂

[@djfhfh]

@Kev Fit 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 I take it you wont be par taking in the upcoming 12th celebrations, pissing up walls shiting in street corners and then a good riot to end the days festivities? Its family fun for all

[@djfhfh]

@Kev Fit why dont you read burning of the tricolour by taig hater 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@djfhfh]

@Kev Fit i cnt 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@dazagib94]

Loyalists have long parroted the fears of their predecessors of being victimised the same way they victimised the Irish but when Ireland is reunified the people born on this island are welcome to this land. They were born here and deserve to live here as much as anyone else. They invented the threat on their own.

[@Marvins_Gaye]

It’s identical to American republicans with our black Americans. Republicans live in constant fear of equality and equity because they fear they’ll suffer the treatment they’ve dished out for centuries

[@MikeL-7]

His parents must have had a sense of humour calling him Ryan. One of the most common surnames in the Republic of Ireland.

[@johnfalconer5778]

I doubt it, hes probably named after Ryan Giggs the Soccer player?

[@saulpaulsaul3378]

@@johnfalconer5778 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@RobertK1993]

@@johnfalconer5778 Well his dumb boy either way

[@alanrobinson7099]

A bit like Jewish circumcision, I think you'll find Ulster Protestants have their sense of humour removed shortly after birth. And yes, I know, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan are Ulster as legally defined by the UN: and that's no laughing matter.

[@allenlong1071]

ryanair

[@adammartin7007]

These kids don't anything about Irish people or the South in general.

[@jameslebron2403]

Which is strange because they look, dress and even talk like like any other Irish people when they're not wrapped up in that hateful flag of theirs.

[@jaymcaaa]

@@deformednutsack9886 i bet jimmy saville and the elks had a grand time with them and the royals and epstein farage and trump

[@thejoin4687]

@@deformednutsack9886 Is it a Protestant thing to misspell their as "there"? Maybe it was just a typo. Three times.

[@deformednutsack9886]

@@jaymcaaa no father nooooooo GOD BLESS YOU CHILD 😂😂

[@davidhuff5676]

@@deformednutsack9886 I know we're supposed to be trading insults but that's fkn funny, thanks for the giggle, Regards from a Southern Fenian. P.S. have that nutsack looked at (by a doctor)

[@PK-sc2vn]

I'm from the "other side" as it were and do not hate these kids at all. They're our neighbours and we are all related if we go back far enough. This is just really sad. These working class communities are suffering and have to be shown there is a world outside of bonfires and band parades. It seems to be a real self-limiting way to live and you automatically exclude yourself from ever making friends with the other half of the population. They're just kids, but it's disturbing to see adults manipulate them and convince them that taigs and everyone else are their enemies when most are just trying to get on with their lives.

[@michaelboyle5805]

It's like what is going on in America, the right are brainwashed by buzzards, who have an agenda that excludes free thinking and integration, As long as the masses can be controlled by these kind of selfish people, they will know no better, In the 80's, Paisley had radio Tower that blocked the RTÉ signal, from going into the homes in Belfast, Why? To keep the people fooled, the only thing they knew about us, was what paisley said about us And we know he didn't have anything good to say. Case in point Richard Dunwoody, the jockey was nearly 30, before he rode a racehorse in the Republic, cos he thought we'd try to hurt him. So it's not these kids fault, it's brainwashing and it needs to stop, let them learn for themselves.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

@@michaelboyle5805 ahaha leftist collectivist Nazis are "free thinking"? Come on down to the next big NAS show and push your racist, bigoted delusion to all the 300+ lb black and Native world record holders- you'll get those delusional teeth knocked so far through the back of your skull they'll land in the Bogside. What counties have you lived in, champ- This should be good.

[@sirtompo2]

its those 'Kids' views. Band parades and bonfires mostly go ahead without any disruption, its sinn feins rhetoric that annoys us

[@sirtompo2]

@@lockandloadlikehell lay of the drugs man you are fucked up

[@PK-sc2vn]

@@sirtompo2 unfortunately in life you're going to meet people with other views and different ways of thinking. Believe it or not there is a life outside of Northern Ireland. The guy in this said the catholics could "steal everything from us". Steal what? People in working class communities all over here have nothing. This is sad, these young people should strive for far more than just worrying what taigs may or may not to. Be confident and think beyond this place sometimes.

[@TheIrishBosnian]

I feel bad for the protestant girl that says she wouldn't feel safe walking down the road. The thing is, she'd be more than welcomed to come down south any day. Nobody down here really cares where your from. You're either a good person or not.

[@georgiaoni6101]

yes that's 100% true! In the north however it's a valid fear Nationalists fear the UVF and Unionists fear the IRA both sides do not feel safe where the flag that flies is not their own.

[@Angelcynn-x9m]

The thing is its different in the North in fact the Southern government at this point doesn't really want to deal with the North i don't think

[@thewestisthebest6608]

History doesn’t support that claim

[@stackedspud]

@@thewestisthebest6608 But the present very much does.

[@descoutinho-e1y]

Always a little suspicious of dubliners who are flybys mind.

[@gerardcollins80]

As a young Northern Irish man myself I must stress to all outside observers that these people are a minority and most young Northern Irish people nowadays are largely indifferent towards the green and orange binary.

[@user-qi5jw2hg1c]

Thats because most have no concept of their heritage. Like it or not, these young people can trace their lineage back to certain events and can be proud of it. As a fellow young person from the North, I have respect for both loyalists (ones that is who do not riot etc) and fellow Irish nationalists. Those who are indifferent I a key constitutional issue and its complex political, historical, and cultural importance typically are just ignorant

[@gerardcollins80]

@@user-qi5jw2hg1c I probably should have been more specific. When I say indifferent about the binary I don't mean that young people don't care at all; most still identify as either or, but they are able to put their diffrences largely aside, get along with each other, and see the world in more than just green and orange. Identity is becoming much more fluid in Ulster now, with sizable portions of the population not really identifying as either of the two old identities, or now identifying as Northern Irish (myself among the latter).

[@user-qi5jw2hg1c]

@@gerardcollins80 Apologies, I misconstrued you my friend. Thanks for the clarification

[@missnerd4832]

Hey there! What would you say it takes to close the gap between these two communities? Even if it's just the minority of them not getting along.

[@gerardcollins80]

@@missnerd4832 Communication is key. A lot of the people you see in this video have probably never really stepped outside of their community in their lifetime. So they don't really know anything beyond that world. Also after the Troubles, "reconciliation" only really took place on the political level in the form of the Good Friday Agreement and not on a societal level. Many of the wounds have just been left un-tended. Not to mention the repeated blocking of attempts to deal with the past by the parties and the Brirish government. There needs to be a societal wide effort to deal with and reconcile our past conflict, allow for an outlet for all of the pain and grief. I've always been a fan of Northern Ireland attempting it's own version of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well as the building of cross-community memorials to remember the dead. Peace walls need to go also. All they do is entrench division and foster this sense of 'other'. I definitely think there's a growing sense of Northern Irishness here but there's now avenues by which to articulate it i.e. political parties.

[@user-zg7lw6si3d]

So proud of being British yet the Brits are indifferent to them lol

[@SerialChiller1000]

Ian Paisley himself said he considered himself an Ulsterman first, and that he couldn't consider himself an Ulsterman without considering himself an Irishman.

[@fenianlewis]

@NeedForSpeedBadBoyz oh you're hard

[@fenianlewis]

@angrykulla i think you mean sectarian. Secular means like non-religious or without consideration of religion. Whereas Loyalists are obsessed with the calf licks.

[@o-o2399]

@NeedForSpeedBadBoyz No real counter-argument just a uneducated insult typical of loyalists .

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

@NeedForSpeedBadBoyz LOOOLZ fenian is NOT an insult you clown,fenian is a description of brave men and women who took on a empire. Although,tbf,Hun isn't an insult either,they were great in Age of Empires,although for some strange reason,the game would glitch in a "Briton v Hun" match,and you'd just see the Huns sucking off the Briton over and over. Strange people.

[@gomey70]

It's sad hearing these kids talking about being 'under threat' in a united Ireland. I'm from the Republic and I don't know anyone who would want to try deprive them of their culture and identity. This paranoia must be drummed into them by the parents or hardliners on social media because its total nonsense. Ireland is a much more diverse place these days with people of all creeds and cultures. People in the south are not like hardline nationalists in the north. We don't have the same antagonism towards unionists that some nationalists in the north do, because we were spared from the violence of the troubles. Northern nationalists might resent me saying that, but it's the truth. British people are the second largest immigrant population here after the Polish, and they all seem to like it here just fine.

[@missionmarc322]

Sorry pal but that's not my experience as a PUL man who worked and lived in Dublin for a time. I recall how a pro-Protestant march down O'Connell Street was cancelled because of a riot and Protestant churches being forced closed in areas in Eire during 2016 Easter celebration for safety reasons. Not RC churches, or Mosques, or Hindu temples, just Protestant churches. Whether you like to admit it or not, anti-British sentiment in the Irish republic is rife evinced by most of the comments below. British people might live in Eire but do they do so on the tacit understanding that they do not overtly exhibit their Britishness. Eire is a cold house for Brits and no Unionist in Ulster would, could or should vote for a United Ireland if/when a border poll takes place for that very reason.

[@niallward8885]

@@missionmarc322 there were no Protestant churches forced to close in 2016. Where on earth did you come up with that?!?!

[@latorregolf]

​@@missionmarc322 You realise this 'persecution paranoia' looks not only nutty but sad to the rest of the world?

[@j_c2225]

You support a British football team mate

[@bentaylor330]

​@@j_c2225 first manager of liverpool was an irishman.. the history of liverpool is vastly connected with Ireland coming from famine

[@Ul.B]

As a German, when you see these reactions, you can only shake your head and seriously ask yourself what has gone wrong here since the Good Friday Agreement. In Germany, Catholics and Protestants live peacefully together. There are even church events where Catholics and Protestants work side by side and neither bothers about the denomination of the other nor in everyday life asks whether someone belongs to one group or the other.

[@Ninja-gt3zi]

Its not just about religion. Its some want a United ireland and others want to stay with britain. Infact its not religion at all, one group feels British the other feels Irish.

[@Ul.B]

@@Ninja-gt3zi This is the part of the political situation that is most easily understood. That a part would rather still belong to Great Britain - okay. That a part would rather belong to the Republic of Ireland - okay. These are different political views and they are also democratically legitimate. The nonsense starts, however, at the point where they claim that if that part of Ireland was part of the Republic, they couldn't live there anymore, citing reasoning that is completely beyond reason. Even more startling is that these lines of thought suggest that the rifts have not closed since the Good Friday Agreement, but are still as deep, if not deeper, as before.

[@Ninja-gt3zi]

@@Ul.B yes exactly the loyalists here are making ridiculous statements but this is thanks to the propaganda. Loyalists in NI are much more nationalistic about Britain than most the English in England (as if they are stuck in time) Belfast though improving needs to move on but seems so difficult for both sides to ever find peace

[@arthurgoodness7865]

@@Ul.B there will never be peace and harmony in Northern Ireland. The hatred runs deep and politicians only help to fan the flames with their rhetoric. I once heard Northern Ireland described as the orphan State, not wanted by the British and not wanted by the Irish.

[@Ul.B]

@@arthurgoodness7865 Anyone who says that something isn't possible or that something won't happen is simply saying that you don't want it. But that is unacceptable. Because without peace it won't work. Exactly this kind of peace is also possible, for that a look abroad is enough, where people do not fight and break their heads because of two different denominations and let out stupid theses that are reminiscent of past centuries. It is up to the population to overcome the hate and to approach each other. This also includes breaking down borders. The so-called peace walls were the greatest nonsense that could ever be created. Instead of these walls, people should have been told to arrive in the 20th century and behave like people in the modern age and not like people in the Middle Ages.

[@charlescollett6531]

The best thing would be a travel grant for these teenagers to see the world, so that they realize how trivial their ‘way of life’ is! Travel broadens the mind. It’s sad to see them so trapped in their mindset.

[@cofloinn]

@charles I agree! Interestingly, the Erasmus program created by the EU to fund and encourage young people in university to study and live in other EU countries is no longer funded by the British government (obviously as part of Brexit) despite the young people of NI still having access to that program as part of the NI Protocol. So, the Irish Government has decided to fund it for ALL young people in NI who wish to travel and study in other EU states.

[@conorfields506]

Dont give them ideas they milking this post conflict situation theyl now demand free passports n tickets as well

[@tomlydon3123]

Amen! “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” - Mark Twain

[@frosty_soda]

I did that, it strengthened my bond with my land. ULSTER, and its British.

[@tomlydon3123]

@@frosty_soda If Ulster is British, should the people of Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan be preparing for an invasion?

[@darrynmurphy2038]

Ulster Loyalists are like the overly clingy girl who's infatuated with the guy who's completely indifferent, and even slightly repulsed, by them

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

Moaning Myrtles,thinking they have a chance with Brad Pitt.

[@jamesjack6769]

It's their puritanical religious beliefs that repel most sensible folks.

[@HecClaytos4956]

There desire to stay in the UK is a means to protecting their Ulster Protestant culture. It has nothing to do with being obsessed with modern day mainland Britain. The nationalistic sense of community they have is beautiful.

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

@@HecClaytos4956 Describe this Ulster Protestant culture for me please

[@HecClaytos4956]

@@colloquialsoliloquy6391 strong sense of nationalism, belief in the Bible, connection to ancestral heritage, tribalism born out of sectarian conflict, anti cultural Marxism.

[@mauriceguiney1200]

That young lad sitting down for the bonfire chat has some grasp of loyalist rhetoric

[@pfhrmb]

He forgot to say "enough is enough"

[@ThisLeprechaunWrites]

What else do they have when Catholics monopolise everything from Music, arts, entertainment, education, law and health? What's left? Yet you have the nerve to mock an impoverished youth that are being forgotten about and trampled upon. Maybe they wouldn't hold on to the loyalist rhetoric if you all gave them equal opportunities y'all screamed for yourselves. There is a gross level of bias and inequality against Protestant people in Northern Ireland and it's disgusting. Don't think it isn't being noticed and there won't be a backlash because of it.

[@pfhrmb]

@@ThisLeprechaunWrites what monopoly is this? Ask yourself how catholics do better at a level? Despite many living in areas that are equally deprived or worse? The exams don't care what religion you are. Catholics put greater emphasis on education because they wouldn't just be handed a job in the shipyard. They had to overcompensate. Mentalities are passed down amongst the generations. Even when the shipyard is no longer there.

[@pfhrmb]

@@ThisLeprechaunWrites bias and inquality. Loyalist areas are dumps with low house prices and little to no investment because of paramilitaries and the corruption / handout seeking that goes along with them.

[@user-qi5jw2hg1c]

@@ThisLeprechaunWrites A very poor comment mate. As the other guy has said, this supposed inequality is only showing because Protestant ascendency is a thing of the past. Didn't matter 50yrs ago if these young loyalists hadn't an education, they could and did walk into jobs that explicitly barred Catholics. As a result, Catholics in order to get jobs had to do so by education and subsequent merit. Where are Protestants denied equal opportunities that you claim? A load of nonsense.

[@microwavefish]

"They're just gonna steal everything from us, all our freedom." As an Irishman watching people say this actually makes me worry. Ever since we regained our own freedom in 1922, we have never occupied or attempted to occupy any foreign nation and work to protect those who can't protect themselves. And personally, I think that even if the Union ends, NI will just become its own State. As free as any other. What I just don't understand is why religion makes everyone hate each other, after all isn't it all about caring for each other? And it isn't just in Northern Ireland.

[@stephenwright8824]

NI does not have the resources to operate viably as an independent political unit (ie a country). so full independence isn't anything worth discussing. The fear the Loyalists in the North have is blood-and-bone with them; it's been fed them at breakfast, lunch and dinner; it's preached to them from pulpits all across the Six Counties. As an American with both Protestant and Catholic forebears, their fear scares *me.* I figured out long ago that I would not have been able to stand myself had I grown up in the same religious "camp" as I did here in the US. As my grandfather did before me, I became an atheist about ten years ago. I fimd myself more willing to care about others without any barriers to their religion. Maybe their politics or intellect, but not their religion. If I was ever forced to choose a religion again, I think I'd become a Messianic Jew. 😬

[@Mr-pn2eh]

I want to the USA to take over Northern Ireland.

[@bigtam7297]

@@stephenwright8824 loyalists got blew up, shot & had their houses petrol bombed by the IRA before they formed their own paramilitaries to protect their people by the northern Irish minority so they have every right to fear a United Ireland

[@cybercheese3]

It's poisonous propoganda used by the roman empire to weaken and divide nations before they would invade.

[@Grassdia]

I wouldn’t consider myself a sectarianist but reasons such as this really make me despise the fact it permeated through history for the better half of two Millenia somehow.

[@jasonrflash]

I’m from Protestant Unionist background born in Belfast but my entire family background is from south of the border. I’ve never understood the black and white view of the makeup of the people on this island. Kids like this think that the rest of Ireland is like Andersonstown. It isn’t. The sad fact remains is that they need to get out more.

[@ChangesOneTim]

Very true! Those kids have a worryingly blinkered view of the world, no doubt handed down from their parents and grandparents. I'll bet churchgoing among their generation isn't might higher than GB, so there's even less excuse to play the 'protestant' card!

[@Valencetheshireman927]

That’s the same with the Catholics , they need to stop hating on unionists and the Orange Order.

[@brendandarragh1264]

Why mention andersonstown ?????

[@michaelahern6821]

@@Valencetheshireman927 How is it the same with Catholics...what's the same ??

[@Valencetheshireman927]

@@michaelahern6821 Catholics hate Protestants/unionists. Not all of them but on both sides there is still hatred and distrust.

[@eoghan5006]

I think the image of the ROI many Unionists/Loyalists have is what the ROI was in about the 70s.

[@sauvignonblanc0]

I watched it. It's very sad to me. I don't know anyone in the Republic who would deprive her of "her culture". We are all Irish - even George V on the opening of the NI Parliament - knew that we were all Irish.

[@themsmloveswar3985]

In the 1970s a small fraction of the electorate voted for a neo Marxist political movement with a criminal racket attached, and a private army in the shadows.... If anything the loyalists have even more to be concerned about. The RCC never murdered them, maimed them, or chased them out of their homes. SF are frightening the unionists.

[@VaucluseVanguard]

@@sauvignonblanc0 Is their any sin in their not wanting to be?

[@RobertK1993]

They even come down south see our iPhone 12 Pro max and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 mark iii and Sony Bravia 4K OLED TVs Samsung QLED TVs MacBook Pro teenage pregnancy much high in Northern Ireland.

[@YouTubeSupportTeams]

@@RobertK1993 what utter shite are you dribbling?? lol

[@kipdynamite4164]

What’s your culture? Bonfires! FFS

[@ant2422]

There's also banging drums and some fluting.

[@JBass321]

Such a stupid, backward culture

[@kipdynamite4164]

They actually have my sympathy, if the took ten mins to read on their culture and some of the truly world class artist, poets & scientists that have come from the North of Ireland from both traditions, they may actually have some pride in positive. Sadly their lack of engagement and vision will see them go they way of the Boer...an odd footnote in history books....still through it makes me laugh when they go to GB & get called paddy 😂

[@ant2422]

@@kipdynamite4164 it's like they can't live without the hate and division, that IS their identity and culture.

[@ant2422]

@NeedForSpeedBadBoyz I know calling people Fenians is a bit silly isn't it?

[@LennonZA]

"Loyalists", or more accurately "Delusionists", are widely viewed as the proverbial institutionalized relative we all know and pity. One day, I hope they'll overcome their Stockholm condition and come to recognise and appreciate Ireland - a country that is not, and never has been, British.

[@MaxPayne-fi1mz]

Ireland wouldn't survive a day if the British Empire didn't protect it

[@Gav_80085]

Really sad how deluded these young people are

[@thejoin4687]

They've been DUPed.

[@noodlyappendage6729]

Deluded? They’re British. End of. That’s it. They don’t support the Republic of Ireland they support the UK and they’re the majority.

[@Gav_80085]

@@noodlyappendage6729 are they from the island of Britain? No. They are from the island of Ireland. They are Irish.

[@noodlyappendage6729]

@@Gav_80085 Are they from the island of Great Britain? No they’re from the island of Little Britain (aka Ireland). The island of Ireland is in the British Isles and Northern Ireland is in the United Kingdom. They’re British.

[@Gav_80085]

@@noodlyappendage6729 they're not British. They are part of the UK, like the Manx. But they're not British. They are not from Britian. This really isn't that hard.

[@AyeAyeAye19]

The way these young folk feel about the Irish and the threat they feel is how Catholics or Nationalists have felt their whole lives. Look at the Republic of Ireland. No matter what religion you are, no matter your nationality, you will be welcomed. As long as you can integrate in to the society, and efforts will be made to for Unionists to do so. It's the siege mentality in these Loyalist communities that prevent integration with other cultures etc. The English government don't care about you. It's time to drop this tribalism and accept a shared future with your Irish brothers and sisters. Embrace change, and embrace a bright future.

[@missionmarc322]

When you say integrate, you mean assimilate, right? You're fine with taking in 900,000+ Brits as long as they forego their Britishness; is that correct? If Britain did not care about Unionists in Northern Ireland, then why did they help partition the island for them? Why did they send in the army to protect them from IRA terrorism for thirty years and refuse to leave until the IRA decommissioned? Why have they move tens of thousands of public sector jobs from mainland Britain into Northern Ireland to help unemployment? Why do they continue to prop up the country financially, above-and-beyond the terms of the Barnett Formula? The truth is this: Britain cares far more about Northern Ireland and its people than anyone south of the border. United Irelanders don't want to unify people, they want to unify territory. The people mean nothing to them. They mean everything to mainland Brits.

[@ULYSSES-31]

Thieves worry about other people stealing their stuff.

[@skimmingstoness]

Thieves? You do realise the British didn't just rock up 100 years ago and steal six counties. The British and Irish lived, traded and exploited each other for 800 years.

[@Maxwell3773.]

How are they thieves?

[@themsmloveswar3985]

@Zombie Detective who stole Bo Jo's comb??? Please return it.

[@ffspablo8739]

Great comment 👌

[@ULYSSES-31]

@@skimmingstoness When did the Irish rule over the British with an empire, export their food and cause a mass famine?

[@ItsIrishAlpha]

Southern Catholic republican here. When the vote passes and the north is re integrated. I will vow to not rest until I know the rights of unionists will be upheld. We will not forget how it felt to be a minority. All we need to do is ensure one another is catered to in a fair way. If that means the northern counties vote on things seperately to keep everything fair, so be it. The days of old are over. Tear down the peace walls and start speaking to one another. We do not have prejudice towards Protestant people down here. That was a ploy by the British government to make everyone fight and as a result be distracted. Everyone was so busy they never realised all their rights were being stripped. That's western society now. I live next to 4 or 5 Protestant households and talk to them every day. They are just people after all. Please remember to be kind to each other. We will not show cruelty when Ireland is united. I'm prepared to give my life to ensure bith the orange and green sides of societys rights are protected because we do not repeat bad history. Peace will prevail. There is no orange and green. Left and right. Protestant and Catholic. We are all human and bleed the same.

[@placebojesus5652]

American here with an Irish Catholic Republican maternal grandfather and a grandmothers with lots of British and northern Irish Protestant ancestry (and 8 I have French Catholic and Norwegian Protestant ancestry too lol) - this is it, you’ve got it right. My ancestry almost breaks down 50-50% Catholic-Protestant, if anything probably slightly more Protestant but 5% or less but honesty it’s incredibly close, and I was mostly raised Catholic but spent a good bit of time in the various major Mainline and evangelical Protestant churches in the US when I was older. I will admit the Irish Catholic Republican cause was burned into me by maternal grandfather (O’More Gaelic clan lol so no surprise) whereas I’m kind of embarrassed of my “Scots-Irish” (Ulster Scots)Anglo-Irish (Ulster English and Dubliner Protestant English/Scots)/Anglo/Scottish British maternal grandmother’s ancestors because they were Southern slaveowners and fighters for the Confederacy in the US (but my Yankee Protestant mostly congregationalist British ancestors back at Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colony were some of the best people in history and really in my view formed the bases for modern American and global liberal values) and honestly I think anyone who has objectively analyzed the last ~800 years of British-Irish history would say that the British were the dicks, including and perhaps particularly the northern Irish Protestant loyalist/unionists/Orangemen. So I can see why they’re nervous. But I think the Irish soul is too compassionate and forgiving to oppress others the way they’ve been oppressed, so I think they needn’t worry, and if anything accept their past and embrace integration (but I will add that if our experience with cousins in the US South is any hint, then don’t count on it lol).

[@jabbermcfleg2489]

The majority of kids in northern ireland don't think like this. They go to school , socialize with friends and don't get involved in identity politics.

[@johnfalconer5778]

You are as deluded as the poor muppets in the Doco mate!

[@BDaMonkey]

@@johnfalconer5778 No. He is correct.

[@pharlain]

@@johnfalconer5778 no he is absolutely correct

[@foreignofficeclub5815]

Poor John, must try harder.

[@hlund73]

I'm sure that was always true. It doesn't take many - then the pressure's on the rest to pick a side.

[@murraymint8159]

Northern Ireland is like a hothouse for distorted cultural views. It was only by getting out my mind was opened.

[@Prometheushighaf]

Sad to see such closed minded youths

[@tabstabs4855]

The land is Irish, the people are British settlers.

[@rasputin5746]

Irish people are British too.

[@redhotcheeto6648]

@@rasputin5746no they aren’t

[@cian434]

@@rasputin5746search up the definition of British and come back to this

[@thejoin4687]

It's pure tribalism. The flag they wave may have the same design as the Union flag, but it represents their tribe, not the UK.

[@captainpinky8307]

you say that like it's a bad thing.

[@thejoin4687]

@@captainpinky8307 Yea?

[@ChangesOneTim]

Speaks volumes to me about the wider issues of social deprivation, poverty, poor education and career opportunities that can be found in hundreds of urban communities across GB and Ireland. Adding the unique 'hard done by' and victim mentality instilled in these young people, through growing up with their parents and grandparents left permanently scarred by The Troubles into the mix, only makes it even more saddening. As an Englishman I don't know, but I'm guessing their Republican equivalents in Belfast struggle with 'identity' and fears for the future too. Unless the wider underlying social issues on both sides of the divide are addressed, and create the conditions for these youngsters to feel more positive about themselves and their futures, you won't make much progress in defusing sectarian tensions.

[@joeybilton6831]

Spot on. I'm only 29 and I have a young child, live in Yorkshire and am petrified of the future. The digital revolution coupled with AI and skyrocketing house prices, i honestly feel will create such rampant poverty and lack of opportunity that it could be a recipe for disaster.

[@apjpisared]

Some of these lads just struggle with reading and basic history. You are giving them too much credit. Imagine being one of these people and saying the Irish would oppress you and steal land from you and force their language and human rights on you. We don't all live in 1690, but they sure do.

[@ChangesOneTim]

Yep, I assumed similar feelings among the Republican 'half' too. It shares attitudes prevailing through all deprived communities in GB...but worsened still in NI by ingrained sectarianism; one side always feeling 'hard done by' the other. I still believe tackle the underlying deprivation, create positive opportunities across these estates, and in time the rest of the shite falls away.

[@siofra3819]

Catholic girls in Northern Ireland are the highest Achievers in GCSE and Alevels in all of the UK, year in and year out. There is a massive gap in education in Northern Ireland. Catholics are more likely to go to university and have higher school attendance rates. This is too with the Culture. In the past, a Catholics knew education was the only thing they had they were not handed jobs, they were discriminated against In the workplace and didn't have equal opportunities, so education became part of their culture to work harder to get what you want. You.g Protestant males could leave school and find a job very easy in the past. They had the upper hand in everything. Many young males are targeted by the UDA to sell drugs throwing their lives away. Far more encouragement is implemented in the Catholic area towards education. A major review needs to happen in the unionist areas the children are being failed especially young protestant boys who get some of the worst grades in the UK

[@pepperrap96]

@@siofra3819 Yes, the Catholic population in the North of Ireland are much better educated than their Protestant counterparts, until this issue is addressed, there will always be a divide. We need to lift all young people out of ignorance in order to progress. Whether that be a cross border effort or not, I don't know, but it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. What a beautiful name you have Siofra.

[@soviet9366]

Why always go to a deprived housing estate near the Shankill or Falls Road for interviews? How about getting a more diverse range of views from college/uni students, employed professionals, etc? Its always the same voices we hear from

[@chriskinnear1131]

Totally agree. Don't see the point of interviewing a sub culture that has never been properly educated and are the lowest rung on the ladder.

[@tc2664]

100%

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

I have the answer; I have loyalists friends in Belfast(met a football tourno,they were short 1 person,our games were done,so me,in a Celtic shirt,joined a team of four guys in Rangers shirts,we all had the craic,and well we all like weed,football,and silly comedy shows) On one visit,politics was brought up(defo not by me) Anyway,I asked them,"do any doctors or engineers,or architects,go on these marches or riots?" They shook their heads and said no, "its the people from council estate that even we avoid,drunken,angry hooligans,venting anger over their shitty lives,during the hottest week of the year,we barely see them for the rest of the year" That's the answer. Its not loyalists or unionists,its poor,angry,sweaty people. Nothing to do with culture or history(every year the celebrate the battle of the boyne,when the celebration is about the battle of aughrim) Just anger at unfulfilled lives. That's all it is.

[@sarahdonnell381]

@@chriskinnear1131 -q-

[@stephaniemcgrane4569]

Because its not the college/uni kids starting riots and most importantly THRIVING on the excitement of riots... The poverty in the North or Ireland is astounding considering they were part of the EU for such a long time. Westminister has forgotten about them entirely so the amount of poverty that is to come is frightening and really concerning..!!!!!!!!!! These youths are brain washed and need to recognise the NI they live in, is Ireland back in the 60s/70s.. The DUPs politics is that of the stone age and not progressive

[@johncy11]

This is so stupid. You can unite Irland and still keep you union identity

[@colmd7680]

I clicked on looking forward to the viewpoint of new young unionists and more rounded views disconnected from the troubles but instead having to hear archaic views of the South and vague sense of Britishness which they couldn't define and unaware of the indifference felt in Britain toward them. Education is always a solution to break out of stereotypes and see one another are complex and real people

[@colmcille4388]

I clicked on it to see battles in the comments

[@mareksicinski3726]

? Huh? That is what unionism or any identity is. That is how all identity is, it is vague ulimately at some level

[@VinOnline]

@@colmcille4388 lol me 2

[@clcrawf]

Depressing, their views have not progressed one iota since the 1920s, still worried they'd be treated the same as they had treated the other community since the foundation of NI

[@timkennedy3089]

If only they were gay brown trannys you would support them

[@paulbroderick8438]

Boris chooses to completely ignore them. Hate served up at breakfast, dinner and tea.

[@themsmloveswar3985]

Even Boris knows they are childish, immature, underdeveloped, obese, and undereducated.

[@lesleycooper3088]

@@themsmloveswar3985 What a snob.

[@NornIronMan5]

Since when has allegiance been with a Government minister or the Government? It is and has always been with the British people as a whole which Carson eloquently stated in 1920: "But I say to my Ulster friends, and I say it with all sincerity and solemnity: "Do not be led into any such false line. Stick to your old ideals of closer and closer connection with this country. The Coalition Government, after all, is not the British nation, and the British nation will certainly see you righted....Stick to it, and trust the British people." And: "...that is merely an act of the Government and not an act of the people; the people are all right, and, after all, our union and the United Kingdom are all wrapped up in the success of this war." Today, the successes of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is all wrapped up in the union itself. Especially Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who would all be substantially worse off without England. No, Boris Johnson does NOT have the power to decide what happens to Northern Ireland or any other part of this union. He doesn't even have the power to eject Gibraltar and the Falklands. Their people are as British as the rest of us here in the UK.

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

@@NornIronMan5 lol,Carson? the same Carson who started a terrorist campaign against Britain,because they were going to accept Irelands democratic vote against partition? The same Carson who declared the six county's to be a protestant state,set up by protestants,for protestants? Old ideals indeed.

[@NornIronMan5]

@@colloquialsoliloquy6391 if you're going to respond to any point, at least make sure you're correct first! Carson said nothing at all about a "Protestant parliament....state.....people"! On the contrary, Carson said "let the Catholic minority see they have nothing to fear from the Protestant majority." Clearly, Carson wasn't a bigot. And you're think of Craig who is often misquoted as saying "A Protestant Parliament for a Protestant people". Yet he didn't say that either! In response to a jeer from a Nationalist MP who said "what about your Protestant parliament?", Craig actually stated the following: "The hon. Member must remember that in the South they boasted of a Catholic State. They still boast of Southern Ireland being a Catholic State. All I boast of is that we are a Protestant Parliament and a Protestant State." This was said in response to DeValera's "Catholic nation" some time before.

[@miakeogh6844]

Northern Ireland is not a country it is six counties that were annexed from Ireland a hundred years ago this year go figure they were never British they are Irish whether they like it or not

[@Dom-fx4kt]

Without a doubt they are Irish, but they are also British as being citizens of the UK, you can be both Irish and British. But who knows maybe in a few years NI will become part of the republic, then they will not be British anymore, just Irish, but they can keep their Protestant Orange identity in a united Ireland, they are welcome. The Orange in the Tri colours represents them as being part of Ireland. Perhaps it will come in a few years. But I do understand the mentality of Protestants in Ulster differs a lot from the Protestants in the south, and always has, even before the partition of Ireland. I think it because in Ulster the echo's of the siege of Derry has been drummed into them with each generation. But one can't forget that in 1798, they fought for the United Irishmen, probably because they new many of the leaders were Protestants so they didn't fear that it would be Rome rule on those occasions

[@1984isHereNow]

But the majority of Northern Irish are of Scottish descent and as we all know , the Scots came from Ireland originally before they invaded Caledonia after the Romans departed so in reality they are at home in Northern Ireland.

[@Dom-fx4kt]

@@1984isHereNow Yes well the name and culture came over with them as they assimilated the local Picts, and Bythonic groups. The Scots are quite mixed with different things tbh, they are the ones that moved from Ireland, plus the picts/caledonians, bythonic tribes and Germanic Angles too, because of the kingdom of Northumbria stretched right up to modern Edinburgh and much of the eastern Lowlands before it was annexed by the Scots at different stages from Northumbia, and finally the rest in the early 900s

[@1984isHereNow]

@@Dom-fx4kt Thanks for the reply buddy, yes fascinating stuff, not enough of our islands history is taught, Edinburgh was founded by the Northumbrian ( Engle ) king, Edwin, it was Edwins Burg or Edwins Fort.

[@relentless1989]

what madness are use talking, there descendants of British planters so, ok there Anglo Irish, but not irish.

[@PapaVorPutin]

Identity crisis of the highest order. You know if you are Irish but have British values and consider yourself part of Britain. You could move to England, Scotland, or Wales and be British. Ironically, it was the British people and government that forced the current situation for the people of N.I. by voting for and enacting Brexit. Plus the subsequent financial crisis, inflation, lack of funding and social welfare N.I. relies on to function. Loyalist are blinded by religion and hatred of "the other" while getting abused and shortchanged by the very British people/government they claim to be a part of. Yikes!

[@catfootball592]

I think the whole Identity crisis is throughout the UK. An erosion of a over arching heathy nationalism to appease the far left's obsession with multiculturism. If being a Irish Unionist has tough me anything. Having different cultures without something in common is a bad shout. In fact that is the world and that's always at war. Voting for Brexit was about immigration, yet the far left wouldn't let anyone control it.

[@pepperrap96]

Yes!

[@roisinmalone3015]

Sadly, some unionists view equality as defeat.

[@Rio-ke9he]

That's British value

[@roisinmalone3015]

@Jack The Film Fanatic Trojan horse for Republicanism to win what? Ireland and nationalists or Jerry Adams didn't vote for Brexit or choose this Brexit which has totally upset the status quo and makes a United Ireland pretty much inevitable. A proportion of unionists did. They voted for Brexit, supported this Brexit and the DUP who blocked May's deal which would've meant no border in the Irish Sea. The unionists created this mess, not Jerry Adams or Republicans. And then they trusted Johnson, who threw them under a bus. So democracy will decide, North and South and the numbers going forward don't favour the unionists. Too bad They made their bed and upset the status quo.

[@zeuspower5794]

@@roisinmalone3015 so do you support what Jerry Adams was actively doing and involved in with planting bombs to kill innocent people. Not sure u have the education for what a real equal rights democracy is by ur language. The first thing to go will be tri colour as it represents not just ireland but 30 years of ira bombing. Real equality means real change. With one intergated education system. To change the mineset of these young people, the (too bad) attitude equates to u not willing to change your ideas and forcing those things onto the poorly educated kids u see in the video. Shame on you. Help and welcome there culture no matter how small and insignificant you think it is, education purpose only, bonfires or beacons were lit to help prince William see we're he was going to give him a landing point( if u wish) on his way to carrickfergus.

[@roisinmalone3015]

@@zeuspower5794 Have you got proof that Gerry Adams was doing all that? I don't think so. Besides Gerry Adams chose to go down a peaceful route. I don't support the IRA. I don't support the UVF, or UDA either eho committed atrocities also. I don't support the RUC or B Specials who committed atrocities. Oh and of course the British Army committed atrocities also as we have seen this week with the Ballymurphy massacre. And that's not a lone incident re the British Army either. My point is that the unionists, or a good few caused these issues along with Johnson and the brexiters. They chose a pure sovereign Brexit over peace and stability in Ireland. The issue re Ireland, the island will be decided democratically and the numbers don't favour unionism going forward. Loyalists or some can't accept equality within Northern Ireland and can't accept that the island's future will be decided by the Irish people and people living on the island of Ireland, and not by a few violent extreme unionists. Unionists have dictated Ireland's path too many times in the past with disastrous consequences and over a million deaths. They are not going to dictate the island's long term future this time.

[@roisinmalone3015]

@@zeuspower5794 Britain doesn't care about these children Working class loyalist areas have the lowest education attainment levels within Europe. Northern Ireland has some of the highest poverty levels in Europe. Northern Ireland is the poorest part of the UK. Northern Ireland is the most unproductive part of the UK. Loyalists would do much better in a United Ireland.

[@eleven864]

These kids need to come down here for a bit and have a chat with some folk. They'll find, even considering Ireland's history, the Irish are some of the most tolerant people they'll ever meet. I'm 'English', been here since I was 7, and thank God I was brought up here. The accent still lingers like a generational curse, but still, it's so rare for me to be looked down on, bullied or people even assuming things about me. The Republic has had a time without heated tensions for a good long while and it shows in their demeanor to 'outsiders'. Most are not ready to pounce, but ready to accept. I understand why it's different up in the North. I also understand why this whole business could reignite the Troubles. But I'd say that would remain a fight between the Northern Irish folk. It's a sad business the whole thing

[@bigtam7297]

The IRA blew them up, assassinated them coming home from work and petrol bombed their houses & terrified them to the point that they had to create their own paramilitaries to fight back & feel safe

[@RobertK1993]

They live 1690 in Northern Ireland where it's Golorious Revolution/Williamite Wars 1688-91 everyday

[@interrexclamacion]

The most important thing is to humble yourself. They think that being British/Protestant is a status thing, and at one point it was (I wonder how they got so rich and had so much land?) but now it's not. They are not respected or at all powerful politically in the UK, and they are by far the poorest part. Forget protestantism and catholicism, to my they both represent a non-irish force that has tried to gain influence and control by eradicating the rich cultural tradition of Ireland, and bring yourself down to the level of the land, the people. Forget royalty and coats of arms, the air is rich, the land is green, the people and kind, the sky is open, the tide's rise and fall marks a beautiful coastline dotted with ancient settlements filled with warm fireplaces and good food. The land is plentiful enough and green enough for well more one person's lifetime. Also, about the "they will take over" bit. One, ew; only UDA members and true Brexit geezers talk like that. And, you know that like, if reunification happens then the government will change right? You have barely any representation in the UK government, but you would make up a large part of the Irish population. And you can have self-sovereignty you know, federalism is not illegal and Belfast is right there.

[@stevendurrant1724]

At least the drummer in the opening shot doesn’t look mad as fk

[@FFM0594]

HAHAHA!

[@mariahcarey9470]

Sarcasm?

[@goldielocks2621]

Their British values once was " a protestant ulster for the protestant people" that's long gone. These young people need to be taken on field trips around the republic of Ireland and see how well off the republic really is and especially see how the republic of Ireland don't give two hoots about you and your bonfires they have much more important concerns going on in their lives.

[@EyebrowsGaming]

"I wouldn't feel safe walking down the street in a united Ireland. You feel like that already." So... It's nothing to do with a united Ireland then?

[@uyoebyik]

Most of them have never even been to Dublin. They're scared of monsters that don't exist except in their heads

[@Valencetheshireman927]

@@uyoebyik The New IRA still exists.

[@user-go3jv8rw7i]

@@Valencetheshireman927 bout 200 members mostly in the bogside in derry going around shooting drug dealers. the new IRA isn’t a threat to anyone

[@Valencetheshireman927]

@@user-go3jv8rw7i It murdered Lyra McKee a few years back.

[@user-go3jv8rw7i]

@@Valencetheshireman927 a stray billet ricocheted off a PSNI vehicle and hit her

[@AJ_real]

I like British Values....*born and raised on the island of Ireland

[@cheapocheapo3445]

@Rm Dkay get a grip, Northern Ireland is British

[@cheapocheapo3445]

@Rm Dkay most people see themselves as Irish and British. Just like people from wales see themselves as Welsh and British. Also Scots and British

[@cheapocheapo3445]

@Rm Dkay all part of the British isles mate

[@RidireOiche]

Geography teacher here. There has been allot of confusion about this topic possibly due to it still being taught a certain way as part of the uk education system but what you are referring to as the 'british isles' has been the 'North Atlantic Archipelago' for well over a decade now. The term 'british isles' was found offensive and objectively inaccurate, and thus the term has been retired outside of the uk(though it still persists in uk sourced media and reading material). So from a british perspective (through no fault of your own) both Cheapo Cheapo and Jack The Film Fanatic cannot be totally to blame for their mistake as it was how they were taught but Rm Dkay is in the right in their correction 'the island of Ireland is not part of great britain'. Geographically: britain = Wales+ england Great britain = britain+ Scotland uk = Great britain+ NI North Atlantic Archipelago = uk+ The Republic of Ireland+ all satellite islands

[@Demicleas]

@@cheapocheapo3445 the british isles don't exist my dude.

[@Niall001]

So mad/sad to hear to these kids thinking that they'd lose freedoms in a united Ireland. I mean, it's nuts. But it shows how early indoctrination starts.

[@cenotemirror]

It’s incorrect but it’s not nuts. Human history... including the present era... is just littered with instances of states harshly repressing or persecuting minority groups who aren’t thrilled to be part of said state. Much of Northern Ireland’s history has been one of sectarian violence with the Loyalist side aligned with the state in power. To be fearful of what will happen when, after this long history of conflict, they are a small group with the other side holding state power... that’s a legitimate worry to have.

[@Valencetheshireman927]

It isn’t nuts because a few decades back the Protestant minority in Ireland was oppressed by the Catholic majority.

[@Niall001]

@@Valencetheshireman927 A few decades back? When? Was there discrimination in housing? Gerrymandering or unequal voting rights? Were Protestants targeted by the Gardai? Discrimination against Protestant Schools? It reminds me of a story told by Martin Manseragh of a time during the peace process when he met loyalists and one of the items they wanted to discuss was discrimination against Protestants in Dublin workplaces. When asked what workplaces they were talking about, they cited Guinness! Manseragh almost laughed. Guinness had avoided hiring ANY Catholics in Dublin until the 1960's. At the time of the peace talks in the 1990's, Catholics were just about making it into middle-management positions within the firm. But somehow, the inclusion of Catholics within the workplace, had been interpreted as discrimination against Protestants. No country has a 100% record of non-discrimination against religious minorities (either directly or indirectly). Just look at anti-semitism & Islamaphobia within the two main British parties today. But the idea that there was widespread/systematic discrimination against Protestants in Ireland is a joke.

[@Jim54_]

How Protestants and Catholics, two groups of people who worship the same god, same Jesus, and use the same bible, don’t get on, just baffles the mind

[@jamesprice4647]

'British values'? What does that mean?

[@cyril_ogude]

Bangers and mash

[@shedendpussys]

Are you entirely uncultured, or is this a sarcastic comment?

[@XavierAway]

The values of the culture of the Country you were probably raised in

[@daveirvin8251]

I’ve never heard a considered answer to that question.

[@VaucluseVanguard]

Do you know, I was in Japan for a few months a couple of years ago. I couldn't tell them from someone living in Kent. I'm told there is no such thing as race and there are no set of values that define a culture. Apparently the only difference was the language.

[@karltwomey]

Unionism/loyalism is clearly facing an identity issue , steadfast loyalty to a union and crown that has turned it's back on them for a 100 years . A constitutional change to northern ireland is inevitable , the writings on the wall , and it's high time unionist leaders open up the dialogue about what a shared future means for unionists. We can build a stronger better country on our shared values whilst celebrating our difference respectfully.

[@merocaine]

It's a conversation we haven't had in Ireland either. Unification means a new state and the end of the republic as we know it, are we ready for that?

[@garymct6860]

@Jack the Film Fanatic I hate the Irish republic. It too has turned its back on the nation of Ireland. I think nationalists and unionists have more in common these days than what divides them. Never surrender, ár lá tagtha.

[@dylanmurphy9389]

@@garymct6860I’m anglo-Irish and it’s quite clear we have bigger fish to fry right now. We are brothers and should be fighting against our replacement

[@artseosamhogriobhta]

@@dylanmurphy9389 Precisely this. Our own traitors have destroyed our nation far more than the Brits ever did.

[@Fakeslimshady]

I'm curious, has channel 4, a UK channel, turned its back on them too?

[@robinoneill7515]

How times have changed, loyalists feel oppressed.

[@brendanforde2605]

@pius murphy I agree but please don't shout, you nearly woke me up

[@garybarrett4881]

But by who?

[@brendanforde2605]

@@garybarrett4881 Well, Catholics and nationalists have been oppressed in Ireland for centuries, but in NI since its inception they have been second class citizens up to the suspension of the NI parliament in 1972. I’m not sure who is oppressing the unionist side other than the fact that some don’t like the loss of all their privileges under an all Unionist Parliament. I'm sure you can check the facts for yourself

[@GodOfVictory501]

Loyalists have always had that siege mentality. It's sad and quite depressing how insular they are.

[@Valencetheshireman927]

It always amazes me that nationalists think so low of unionists and British people yet they want them including the people in this video to be a part of their country.

[@TheBenzer9]

They have an absolute warped view of modern southern Ireland, we down south have always genuinely embraced and nurtered Presbyterian values and culture, look at two of our biggest cathedrals in dublin Christchurch and St Patricks cathedral that are both respected and valued visted every day by all types of irish people, most of our revolutionarys over the centuries have been protestant or Presbyterian, Southern Ireland is a modern mixed society where everyone is welcome

[@hmu05366]

100% agree with you. It’s unbelievable parochialism isn’t it. I’m from Glasgow and most of us are so embarrassed when people ask about sectarianism. It doesn’t affect 90% of peoples lives who live in this great city. I’ve met many educated people from Belfast who feel exactly the same.

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

@@hmu05366 wolftone, Henry Joy and the rest of the United Irishmen... all presbyterians? A history book wouldn't go amiss!

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

Wolftone & Henry Joy...united irish men!🇨🇮💚💚

[@dermotmcglinchey282]

As soon as they step of the plane they are seen as Irish, the vast majority of English people know more about Benidorm than they do about N.Ireland..

[@zapkvr]

What is a bennydorm?

[@dermotmcglinchey282]

@@zapkvr Benidorm, look it up..

[@FFM0594]

Sad but true.

[@holldolldee7582]

I’m English and see NI just as British as I am if not more.

[@fyrdman2185]

I'm English and a Unionist but you're right, most English people don't know the history of England ffs let alone the complicated history of Northern Ireland. As for me i do see them as British because i do know the history and what's going on there.

[@tonysquiggs9741]

The world is just bewildered with unionism

[@marcobosti]

I've met many loyalists working down here in the South on building sites, a nice bunch of lads that tend to forget all about that loyalist shite when their making decent money down here

[@bettyferguson6463]

No such a thing as ""LOYALIST SHITE"" 🇬🇧💙🌺🧡🇬🇧 ""GSTQ 🇬🇧👑🙋🏻‍♀️🇬🇧🧡""

[@bernardpearce3478]

@@bettyferguson6463 Those I've met working down south All claim to not give a fck about that bulshite. They actually sound credible as I expected a slip'up after a smoke which never came.

[@09weenic]

Yes the decent money us British gave you when the ROI needed to be bailed out a few years ago

[@bernardpearce3478]

@@09weenic Payed back in full with interest years ago. Go check and get over yourself. That was no favour

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

@@09weenic That loan,of 3 bill was to ensure AIB didn't fail AIB owned a LOT of high value property in London,that's why England loaned us(AIB) the money It has been paid back...but guess what...you'll love this....England gives more money to the north,annually,than it gave to the EU!

[@oliversherman2414]

As a Brit from England, I support these teenagers and their values. If they feel threatened by the south, they should have the right to keep their identities. Do not force these kids to be Irish if they don't want to be

[@Maidaseu]

Their values of rioting and burning stuff out of boredom. I’m Irish and surely there’s more to British values?

[@theinternetexplorer7873]

It really goes down to the identity problem of Northern Ireland. These kids were told they were British their whole life in the same way nationalist would be told their Irish but Ireland and England aren't really to agree with them. If these loyalist young people do decide to leave and go leave in England they'll realise their "British Values" was nothing but a scam.

[@RobertK1993]

@S t e p h a n i e Protestants in Republic of Ireland are equally as Irish as Irish Roman Catholics.

[@icemanire5467]

@S t e p h a n i e yeah, I'm from Carnew. We're all Irish here.

[@joebyrne3159]

@S t e p h a n i e, no problems with the Protestants in the South as Irish as myself, plus I am working with a bunch of them from the Shankill! working in the Republic!

[@vixen878]

irish people dont have to be told they're irish.

[@brazil8426]

@S t e p h a n i e Protestants here in the Republic are our people they are Irish completely and nothing else and they would never say otherwise.

[@dominicclarke3206]

These are the unkle Tom side of Ireland. I prefer the real Irish not these British ones. 🇧🇿

[@martinmcdonald4207]

You just managed to offend everyone in your short pointless post.

[@9inchsnails829]

Lay off the crack pipe Leroy

[@bobsmith5441]

Dominic - I salute you. Perfectly analogy. Don't mind these hate- mongers in the comments

[@swaythegod5812]

I would have said the “British kkk “ cause that’s literally what they are lol

[@anonymous-pi3oz]

They're ancestors come from Scotland and England and that is why they see themselves as British and not Irish.

[@justcallmemac7136]

Why do they always mention “British values” but can never give even 1 example of what a British value is?

[@zootsoot2006]

Sad that we've forgotten them. British values created the modern world: rule of law, property rights, freedom of speech, fair play according to designated rules. Yes, maybe these kids are deluded but only because Ireland has already become Anglicised into these values. But Protestantism does produce different people than Catholicism, namely a heightened sense of individualism and self-responsibility. You only need to visit Catholic countries and Protestant countries around Europe to see this.

[@MiloManning05]

@@zootsoot2006 so what the Netherlands and England and Scandinavia

[@user-qi5jw2hg1c]

@@zootsoot2006 what a bunch of nonsense. Whilst I agree with you re your outline of British values, when these people mention British values, they wouldn't know anything about the values you mentioned. Regarding Protestant and Catholic 'values', that's an incredibly outdated view. Some of the most successful and industrious parts of Europe are Catholic. The shithole parts of Germany, for example, are historically Protestant. Meanwhile Conservative Catholic regions like Bavaria are leading the country in economic industry.

[@lhaviland8602]

British "values" consist mainly of oppressing those who aren't British. Hence why their identity would be destroyed if they were no longer UK subjects.

[@vincentmcnabb939]

@@zootsoot2006 That’s a British protestant fiction: ‘The weath and power argument’. It neither holds up historically nor in modern day. Writing from an affluent and Catholic Austria, per example.

[@PapaPalpatine666]

If you ever found an intelligent loyalist you'd have to be the greatest explorer who ever lived lol 😆

[@catfootball592]

It is Channel 4? They're not going to show anyone British in a good light. By the way, it makes you sound pompous.

[@iankelly3081]

@@catfootball592 True enough. If you want to project a certain narrative you'll always find something to support it if you look hard enough.

[@bluesmaster9896]

Plenty of protestants live happily in the republic .

[@mrrooter3630]

Some of the most crucial figures in Ireland's struggle for independence were protestants, I don't know why they make such a big deal of religion in the north anymore. The turmoil 50 years ago solved the inequalities. The only problem is the divide they create themselves with religion.

[@g.l.6045]

Well said , protestants and Catholics live happily side by side in the Republic of Ireland , no drama .

[@Yawnyaman]

Plenty have moved in over the last two decades.

[@warrenpaine]

Protestants have done very well in the Republic of Ireland from what I understand.

[@jaymcc5421]

Because making it about religion is easier. Its an Irish British thing, not catholic and protestant.

[@davannagle450]

Grown men/adults building bonfires with kids?

[@citykings]

Its their culture 😉

[@ecafssot]

Would you rather see children play with fire unsupervised❔

[@ecafssot]

@Zombie Detective 🆗 have fun.🔥

[@hlund73]

Think you mean BONfires - but maybe not 😏

[@davannagle450]

@@hlund73 Correct!

[@niallleonard9671]

sad that these people don’t understand northern ireland was robbed from ireland 😂🤦🏻

[@moneymarch2009]

Technically Ireland was robbed from Northern Ireland

[@markmahabir6342]

@@moneymarch2009 No Ireland was robbed from the Irish! And when they got it back they didn't get the top right hand corner of it back.

[@moneymarch2009]

@@markmahabir6342 no not really

[@psydrith1]

As an outsider to this situation, this is something I don't understand. If they love the UK so much, why don't they just go live in Great Britain? I'm an American living in Mexico. If I felt that I wanted to celebrate / preserve / etc my American culture (whatever that means) then I would just go back to the US, not advocate for Mexico to join the US. I get that the situation is more complicated than I reduced it to but still my point is that Great Britain is geographically very close and it should be reasonably possible for any of the UK loyalists to go there, right?

[@218kq]

​@@psydrith1Im Indonesian, I'm far much culturally and geographically from british isles and americas, but i somehow have some thoughts on them. Northern Ireland are robbed from Ireland, planted colonists there that are making their own identity that belong to the land - but never eradicate the natives identity. So when circumstances happened and the natives gained the ground of their own native land, the loyalist are press to accept that they are foreign to the land they feel do belong. So yeah there's that, applied to any colonists. Similar to how antizionist saw the state of Israel really.

[@nightrunk]

Those young people are more to be felt sorry for, they haven't a clue. 😔

[@cb8608]

Why?

[@RobertK1993]

Republic of Ireland has no freedom did I just hear that what are they learning in school 🤣

[@Gav_80085]

They think the Catholics want to take over...mate, the actual Irish want nothing to do with yas - just like the British. It is really is sad how screwed up they are.

[@margaretnicol3423]

@Zombie Detective ... as opposed to the more 'adult' crimes in the name of ... what?

[@colloquialsoliloquy6391]

@@Gav_80085 We're not even Catholics anymore,the vast majority stopped being Catholic after raping of minors scandal was exposed. Yet talk to the average unionists,and they would kill and die for people like Andrew KZbin James O Briens get 3 mad calls on Andrew,and you'll see.

[@RobertK1993]

@@colloquialsoliloquy6391 Ulster Loyalists Protestants don't realise this.

[@anthonycogan9801]

The future of peace and stability in NI lies with these youngsters and it saddens me to see that their parents have brought them up into the us and them doctrine. Irish values are nighon similar to British values in that we all celebrate and embrace diversity and freedom. We are both good countries with good ethics and values. The ignorance still expressed in NI is tragic. To an average person in Britain NI means nothing to them and whether NI stays in UK or not makes no difference to their life at all. Eire however genuinely cares about wanting NI to be part of them and would be embraced and loved if only people opened their eyes and saw that. Peace and progress for NI lies in Unity not division. Ireland is a wonderful country and should not be feared or villanised.

[@jaken6855]

Absolutely as a Irish Catholic born in Dublin to a staunch nationalist family I would love nothing more to welcome our brethren protestant or not with open arms and stop this archaic hatred

[@mush707]

They don’t want to be treated like how they treated us

[@bigtam7297]

The IRA blew them up, assassinated them coming home from work and petrol bombed their houses & terrified them to the point that they had to create their own paramilitaries to fight back & feel safe

[@melissahouse3488]

Apartheid reversal time!!! They don't like it, they can effing leave to England where their "loyalties" lie. They are clearly in the wrong country.

[@gaggymott9159]

As a Protestant, Unionist from Northern Ireland, this is intensely embarrassing to watch. It's not about 'boredom' or anything else. It's about misinformation, inaccurate history and poor education. Young, Protestant Unionists need to wise up and do some learning!!!

[@stevenmcalister826]

If unionists did proper research into how their ideology and politics came about, you wouldn’t stay unionist for very long. And you absolutely would not support groups like the Orange Order.

[@catfootball592]

It is Channel 4? They're not going to show anyone British in a good light.

[@pepperrap96]

Yes, Education is key.

[@Michael43713]

Joel comes over as a very intelligent, articulate young man who deserves better leadership.

[@finishedarticle7953]

A breath of fresh air compared to the other kids.

[@MadJackChurchill1312]

All 20 of them will be devastated when Ireland is reunited.

[@stephenmacartney]

Genuine question.. I wonder what values these kids would say they shared with, as an arbitrary example, a British Muslim living in London?

[@Congo10-66]

As a Muslim born in Britain In the 70s I wouldn't say they share a lot of the same values I didn't grow up in London I grew up in the north in a small english village which had a large Irish community

[@staceydunne4317]

Why not the Nigerian living in Dublin?

[@citykings]

They hate blacks, muslims, anything that's not them,,they are far removed from real British people!

[@RodneyOwl]

@@staceydunne4317 Because Dublin isn't in Britain...

[@staceydunne4317]

@@RodneyOwl did I say anywhere in my text that it was? As you can see by my own name I do know where Dublin is located. My point is that the people in Northern Ireland have about as much in common with the Nigerians living in Dublin as they do with the Muslim community based in Britain, so why make the comparison, as both countries have diverse communities. P.s there are many racists within both the UK and Ireland just look at the young Irish boy who racially abused Ian wright online recently, he obviously learned this behaviour from his parents.

[@shivrajgujar1]

English colonisers needs to decolonise Northern Ireland that belongs to Ireland to end this conflict.

[@catfootball592]

That's a very narrow view of history? Considering most Irish Prods are from a Scottish background. I just love the way the robots just look at English history never the whole history of the world. Which is one of conquest by everyone! It's like you only have to think of one thing, victims and colonisers so dumb.

[@Craftine86]

"there going to steal everything from us" you can keep in mate ain't worth stealing 😂

[@keithgalvin2830]

I could use a few pallets at the moment to be fair

[@Craftine86]

@@keithgalvin2830 😂😂😂😂

[@jfm14]

@@keithgalvin2830 Right? Who doesn't need a few pallets? 😆 Hard pass on the rest of it, though.

[@ratusbagus]

@@keithgalvin2830 now that did make me laugh.

[@Zlatan-pb3gf]

if it was for Great Britain The Republic of Ireland would be broke had to be bailed out numerous times with Billions of Pounds Hypocrites

[@arrandinsmore580]

Where else does the media interview almost exclusively teenagers from lower income areas about political issues? If you aren't going to interview typical Northern Irish people, experts in NI/Irish politics, students, business owners etc. Then the real story here should be about teenagers becoming victims of their communities.

[@TheNeverposts]

Most people in Northern Ireland voted to remain...

[@speedster2464]

57% to be accurate, however about 46/47% of that vote don't see themselves as UK citizens, but ROI and therefore EU citizens.

[@davebirch1976]

They weren't voting for Northern Ireland to remain or leave they were voting for the United Kingdom to remain or leave, so all the votes from all the countries are added together to get the result

[@Nick-kb6jd]

@@davebirch1976 Right, well in that case it's all sorted. No Scottish Indy or Irish reunification helped along by Brexit. It's all just been a silly misunderstanding. Thank goodness.

[@davebirch1976]

@@Nick-kb6jd what is there to misunderstand the question in the vote was Should the United Kingdom leave the European Union, it didn't say should Scotland/Northern Ireland leave the European Union

[@Nick-kb6jd]

@@davebirch1976 Nothing to understand about the mechanics of the vote. The UK as a whole voted to leave. Scotland and NI didn't, Westminster decided to ignore that. Now there are consequences. Forcing things on Countries that they don't want is one of the most British things ever. Hence the disapeared empire.

[@JB-qr2jq]

Aren’t the brightest people, the loyalists.

[@formzino]

Their culture is bonfires and marching. Hardly renaissance men

[@olivermoore7020]

A couple of genuine questions for people from NI or are familiar with it: 1) To what extent are the catholic/protestant labels still a predictor as to whether someone is a republican or a loyalist? (I.e. are there many loyalist catholics or protestant republicans?) 2) Though the Catholic/protestant labels are still heavily used in NI, how religious are people in NI really? (or more specially those who use the catholic/protestant labels: are they genuinely religious?; Could they, if asked, explain the theological differences between the two branches of Christianity?; or are these labels better understood more as ethic/cultural/tribal labels in NI?). Just genuinely curious. I'm honestly not trying to attack anyone here, and I hope it doesn't come across that I am.

[@petercarroll9167]

Religion, as in attending church, is much less important (if it ever really was important). Labelling people as Protestant and Catholic is really just laziness by the Media. The conflict in the last 50 years at least is about British or Irish identity. The problem is that British identity had been presented mostly by fundamentalist politicians (DUP) and in this case misguided and misinformed Loyalists. There are many many ordinary citizens who just wish NI to be a normal part of the U.K. and live in peace with the rest of the people on the Island. There are valid reasons not to wish to be part of a United Ireland like lack of NHS and higher taxes but thinking that the Southerners are going steal everything or wipe out “British Values” (whatever they are) is nonsense. It is very sad to see how these young people have been brainwashed by their communities but they are a minority, You just don’t hear from the majority.

[@seansersmylie]

I know a couple of Republican Protestants. Most younger people don't bother attending church regularily anymore, there are a small number of fanatical evangelical Free Presbyterians who dominate the DUP along with various other Protestant Churches that follow their faith. A lot of older Catholics still attend Mass but all of the abuse scandals rightly put many people off. Whenever the census results are released next year it will show a majority of Catholics/Nationalists for the first time and the so called 'Loyalists' won't be happy about it.

[@NornIronMan5]

There are more Catholic Unionists in Northern Ireland than there are Protestant Republicans. Approximately twice as many. Generally speaking, Catholic and Protestant labels are best regarded as useful to an extent. But not an absolute rule. As with many people in the rest of the British Isles, many of them are not religious in the slightest. The conflict has always been about nationality which explains how Catholics can be Unionists and Protestants Republicans. Albeit, there's more Catholic Unionists than Protestant Republicans. Any Catholic majority shouldn't necessarily be read as a Republican majority.

[@olivermoore7020]

Cheers for the replies folks. Keep them coming.

[@michaelboyle5805]

@@NornIronMan5 where did you get those figures? Sounds like your trying to give unionism a boost, wait till the May elections and see how many people don't vote for the dup. Money and jobs should be the only religion, So do you want brexit to break your economy, just so as you can say your a unionist.

[@KARLMARKoffical]

Would love a united ireland being a Catholic southerner one that includes loyalists and their traditions, maybe we should all get together on the 12th of July and have a massive party and end all the hate of the past

[@bighands69]

You are living in a fantasy.

[@1eyepaul]

Like that will ever happen. Wishful thinking

[@chrisrooney8820]

Uh oh we found a nice person on this island NEVER NEVER NEVER

[@nodgelyobo1]

Aye ..And then let's all ride through the streets in gold sparkling unicorns!

[@MarkEliasGrant]

This is why the republican side just make sense to Americans. Get along. One country. One Island. Be peaceful with each other.

[@ZBisson]

Why do loyalists exist?

[@quandaledingle7812]

Inbreeding

[@Znajomy_Dzumy]

Because not everyone is a traitor

[@oxouk]

I was traveling the Antrim coast with my Wife years ago. We stopped in a cafe and overheard an American couple say “ We’re heading to Dublin tomorrow. We’re so excited. We’ve never been to Ireland before.” I had to bite my tongue.

[@erasedfromgenepool.4845]

You shouldn't have, you should have said ye, are in Ireland now and I don't mind telling ya!!

[@thethugshaker6115]

@@erasedfromgenepool.4845 leave it to paddies to get upset over everything

[@RobertK1993]

Technically Americans are right Northern Ireland isn't Ireland at moment it's part the UK but not for long.

[@RobertK1993]

@@thethugshaker6115 The British government are crying about Northern Ireland Protocol they negotiated .

[@oxouk]

@@RobertK1993 doesn’t matter who governs the land, it’s still Ireland, hence the reason people there with a UK passport are entitled to an Irish passport if they choose to. There’s the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the whole island is Ireland.

[@arcticdragon104]

United Ireland

[@user-qi5jw2hg1c]

Some of these comments prove exactly why PUL communities have felt alienated for so long. There will never be a United Irish Nation until we can all act like a Nation, North and South, Catholic and Protestant

[@Stevenbfg]

You should ask loyalists youngsters if they consider themselves "Irish" at all. Their great grandparents obviously would have considered themselves Irish but nowadays they would venomously insist they're not.

[@bigtam7297]

The "Irish" wreck the loyalist gardens for the war dead & put their poppy rings in their bonfire's along with photos of the queen, Union jack's, northern Ireland flags etc

[@mamaraah2578]

These kids have yet to realise that the majority of people in mainland UK do not care for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland and its troubles/ peace have never been in their thoughts. I don’t say that to be mean. It’s just an observation of mine after living in the UK for so long. One of the first questions people ask after I tell them I’m Irish is ‘ oh is that the north or Sourhern Ireland?’ There is a lot of ignorance here towards Ireland, both North and Republic. The UK government would hand back Northern Ireland tomorrow if they could as it would save them a fortune.

[@diarmuidruane2263]

It would be fascinating ( in my opinion ) to pay for these young folk to visit Britain n meet people their own age there for an exchange of views. They would firstly be described by the GB folk as IRISH!!! Their sworn loyalty to the UK would be considered as odd as most young folk in GB aren't comfortable with flag waving. It would be a great wake up call for the young loyalists.

[@marahesther]

They have nothing in their brain

[@task9371]

Burning the flag of the country youre in... Ah yes 'Culture'

[@wazz6765]

They aren’t in Ireland, they’re in Northern Ireland

[@kizume9349]

@@wazz6765 literally is still Ireland

[@gnhonho]

London cannot get rid of NI fast enough.

[@Whocares610]

I like how they are complaining about their culture being under threat. Not understanding the fact Catholics were discriminated against for years under Protestant rule.

[@fuwa9616]

Irish culture is under threat in Ireland.

[@JesusChrist-jh6jo]

My grandfather was a northern irish catholic and he was 100% a unionists and was a massive supporters or Margaret thatcher and i met another Catholic man once who said to me that "that irish republic is and never will be a republic as they just got ride of the british monarch and replaced him with the pope"

[@philipocarroll]

Interesting things I took from this: 1) Loyalty to their community is stronger than their loyalty to UK. 2) They have Catholic friends 3) Political unionism is in free fall, with no clue how to reach these people If the union disappears they won't just roll up their flags and disappear they are going fight for something else.

[@johnbest4513]

Yeah they will fight the free their nation from the British state and Irish state. Which they did in 1913. They will fight and win any war against the British and Irish state. The Loyalist held their punches in the troubles, electing for a slow settlement in which they remained in power. Now through the plant Arlene Foster the Loyalists are having gay marriage, abortion, Irish language and a border in the Irish sea forced upon them. The soon they go war the faster it will be over, the British state removed from Ireland and then we can have an actual settlement in Ireland, with the Irish accepting the existence of the Loyalist nation. They are loyal to their own nation, not the British state, that's the main thing any Irish person needs to take away from this.

[@user-qi5jw2hg1c]

Yes you're right. Personally I think it is too the fact the unionist oligarchs are out of touch with grass root PUL communities

[@24zelock]

@@johnbest4513 or you off the glue yet lad ? its been 11 months now

[@finnphillips3401]

Queen Elizabeth Le Chatté

[@flowerofscotland8839]

I don't affliate with the British state. I don't know what there's to like or take from it. What identity does Irish Protestants have? At least Scots Protestants have Scottish traditions, (although I'm Catholic). All I can see are red, white and blue kerbstones, butcher's apron days and palettes and burning tyres, with Pope effigies and tricolours in flames. Nice to see the community in harmony.

[@Mr-pn2eh]

🇻🇦 Is disgusting. As an American the Holy Spirit has taught me that Roman Catholicism is disgusting. It's not even Christianity.

[@thoker7]

If you’re British shouldn’t you be in Britain. Ireland is where you live and in the UK your just another Paddy to them

[@baileysarsfield4375]

Kinda sad that these kids believe that. How do they believe they are victims? And what even is a bonfire & british values in terms of a culture???? It sounds like the culture is just Anti-Irish with extra steps

[@Valencetheshireman927]

How do the believe they are victims? The legacy of the Troubles. You can’t blame them for being anti Irish after all that went down in the Troubles. The legacy of that conflict still lingers which is why both the British, Irish and EU governments need to tread carefully when dealing with it.

[@itsdaire5764]

I'm still confused as to why unionists feel they should be loyal to britain. Britain constantly has turned their backs on unionists. Economically the north of Ireland would be much stronger as the standards of living in the republic is much better. The only stopping a reunification is bitterness and as a young nationalist I don't want to see it and have no time for it.

[@itsdaire5764]

@freneticness _ and you my friend, are a perfect example.

[@psychedelicpegasus7587]

I think in a potential united Ireland, it will be vital to make space for Northern Irish identities and culture. Young people are right to have questions, to voice their concerns about the future and to know they are being listened to. It is so important to peace and progress on the island and the way to avoid conflict and further violence.

[@yedder7628]

When there’s a United Ireland it’s going to be Irish

[@shaunigothictv1003]

@@yedder7628 Young man - or Yedder as you like to call yourself There is no absolutely NO difference between the English and the Irish in terms of skin complexion and facial features. They are two white celtic peoples seperated by a so called "holy book" which is entirely about West Asian people and has NOTHING do with white Celtic peoples. The Romans simply retold the entire story of a desert West Asian people contained in the BUYBULL and indoctrinated it into the minds of white Celtic peoples and simultaneously branded it by the name Roman Catholicism. Later on, the Protestants were no better. The BUYBULL has nothing to do with white Celtic peoples. It documents the events of the everyday lives of a desert people in West Asia.

[@yedder7628]

@@shaunigothictv1003 young man or Shauni Gothic TV as u like to call urself we have our different cultures and the celts that settled here came before the pyramids were even built so ur talking out of ur back side with that and when Ireland reuniteds once again it will be a great day and Scotland with it UNITED IRELAND 🇮🇪

[@dylanmurphy9389]

Common sense that a united Ireland won’t all think and act the same, just look at the vast differences in England from Newcastle to London

[@liamfarrell3380]

I'd be supportive if this so called unionists culture wasn't just commiting hate crimes against catholics and building bonfires the size of houses

[@alexanderroeder9376]

I am a German and have travelled Ireland and Northern Ireland. Get hold of some EU funding and start a project. Send these kids around Europe including the Republik of Ireland just to broaden their minds. It will come as a cultural shock to them, that there is absolutely nobody, neither in Ireland or in Europe, who will take their culture from them. I am deeply shocked, that that young people think that way. It is a proof, that the education system has totally failed. But this is not just a problem of these kids in NI, it is the same over here. It is the result of a class related education system.

[@ashh864]

Has it failed? Or has it done exactly what it was designed to do. Divide and conquer. Oldest trick in the book.

[@S80-r1o]

They don’t even have any culture, their only “culture” is hating the people who tolerate them living there