Northern Ireland: Changing Demographics

A report by Gareth Gordon on BBC NI's The View on the changing demographics of Northern Ireland and the potential political impact.
Context: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern...
Originally broadcast on BBC NI April 19th 2018

[@kevintoner6068]

Politics aside. Arlene will leave if Ireland gains independence, so that's a win for everyone in Northern Ireland.

[@acmulhern]

There's lots of Irish Protestants living in the Republic and they're living very good lives.

[@concong4183]

Mulan 121 Sshhhh! That doesn't fit the narrative, Sshhhh! The DUP are hangin' on by their fingertips. Amadans!

[@JJ-te2pi]

Arlene Foster would move? Brilliant.

[@steiraman1]

More than 100 000 UK citizens live in the Republic of Ireland, so it may not be necessary to move.

[@keithp6699]

If Arlene Foster moved over to England or Scotland everyone there would refer to her as Irish because everyone from Northern Ireland is seen as and referred to as Irish no matter what their religion is when they move to England because they don't care about that stuff. That's what I've seen anyway. 😁

[@madden150]

Never mentions there could be protestants who could vote for a United Ireland, especially after Brexit.

[@kerrythomas6948]

Was in Northern Ireland the last portion of March, 2018. Lovely countryside, lovely people no matter their religious beliefs. My wife and I hope to visit again, very soon.

[@donal935]

No, we aren't going to be driving you out of your homes after reunification. We aren't apes. To suggest so little of us is quite insulting. It is your home every bit as much as it it my own. I would defend that position to the hill as all peoples are respected. Irish catholics of NI would be mighty hypocritical to begin subjecting a minority within a new state to ill-treatment, just as how it was subjected upon them.

[@marcgandini7831]

Sooner or later will be a united Ireland.

[@answersinreality6316]

I'm an Irish atheist (ex Catholic) I'd love to see a United Ireland and I don't know anybody, ANYBODY, who would seek to drive anybody Protestant, Catholic or otherwise out of Ireland. This fear only exists in these people's heads (and in the heads of a couple of head the ball bigots); nowhere else. But alas, they will never be convinced of that.

[@Magna_pinna]

I like the way there can be no doubt about what would happen in a hypothetical scenario 😂😂

[@shaymc1977]

We have more to worry about look around at the changing people around you. The time will come when we will all need each other.

[@jackfkntwist7502]

Ther will never be a future for a Protestant state for a Protestant people; the world has moved on . There will be a united Ireland , which will be an all island democracy. This will be in the best interests of all the people on the island. those in the North will see that as soon as the unity of the island is established.

[@inquisitor229]

I would buy Arlene Foster a one way ticket for the ferry to Stranraer out of my own pocket if she promised never to return. Hopefully she would take her unrequited 'British' with her.

[@mikelamatria3610]

Outside of Northern Ireland or Kosovo, nobody in Europe defines him/herself by the religion he/she practises...or more accurately by the religion their parents practised...

[@MichaelMinecraft190]

Maybe all protestants won't vote to stay in the union....

[@Itsjustmyselfsoitis]

4:44 Mike Nesbitt knows nationalist unionists? Is the fella sniffin glue - how can you be an Irish nationalist if you support being part of the UK?

[@AaronJCassidy]

The problem that still overshadows a united Ireland is bitterness and hatred. You need not go further than the comments of this video to see its still alive and well in people's minds. Disgraceful. Protestants in the North must be embraced. They are part of this island too.

[@ULYSSES-31]

The DUP are the biggest proponents of hatred and fear in the North.

[@marathondude]

BBC coverage pretty slanted ....surprise, surprise

[@Pkia-tm7gw]

History belongs to everyone! It should be celebrated by all.

[@mariendorf1981]

This baffles me. I'm from Dublin, have a history of Catholic and Protestant running through my family tree for generations. It was never an issue. Having said that, I cannot imagine any Nationalists who have grown up with an Irish identity wanting to be part of the UK. The DUP seem so right wing and narrow minded. I would feel stifled by their rule....they belong on the Mayflower.

[@hypercomms2001]

I thinking analysing this on the basis of religion is wrong... it should be on the basis of those who are for a United Ireland, and those who are not.

[@robertarmitage1899]

Looking at the videos about immigration into Ireland, it seems that changing demographics is not only a catholic, protestant thing but also one which will impact both communities, the same. Will it be welcomed or will the "tribes" unite against it?

[@michaeltruman3218]

As an English man, I would welcome no more involvement with the North of Ireland. We would do much better if we could stop funding Ulster. Trying to conquer Ireland was a big mistake for England. We have given back our colonies and most people would love to be free of Ulster. The Irish are at home in Ireland so the Unionist Scots need to go home now although I don't think England would want them.

[@patrickokeeffe539]

mwindmatch The problem with N.I is that a lot of the jobs are civil service, why this is so I not know. Can you explain? Hence why the UK puts 16 billion every year, but this does include supporting the defense budget.

[@gavinlaird85]

The Dál Riata was a Gaelic kingdom. They were Irish before they were Scots. Scotti was the name used for Irish people.

[@kiwifruitpoo]

Thank you for demonstrating an Englishman’s complete lack of understanding of the problem. The Ulster Scots are home. If they were forced to leave it would be the blackest mark on the history of Ireland.

[@bossendenwoodconvict]

@@kiwifruitpoo I'm English, and wish to see Northern Ireland remain part of The United Kingdom. However, wouldn't it have been best just to let the Catholic areas on the border of the Republic of Ireland join with it? The people there clearly don't want to be with us.

[@hughwalsh8914]

You are the foreigners, not us.

[@kiwifruitpoo]

Hugh Walsh. (Walsh/Welsh/Breannach) or any derivation of that common surname marks you as a Welshman. So you’re a foreigner yourself! Not that it has any bearing on how people should be treated in modern Ireland.

[@MrBobbyDolow]

Some hate about these comments....

[@frolicwitme]

Well maybe if the unionist/protestant people treated Catholics/Nationalists like humans and afforded them all the rights and privileges that they had from the outset of the founding of the mini state-let that is NI then possibly leaving the uk might not have been a goal for them. But no you didn't, you thought you would always be a majority blah blah blah. No longer true , you will become part of the Republic of Ireland. If its to much for you to handle then do what arlene is going to do, no loss.

[@tomgreene6579]

Let's talk about the budget as well.

[@chrisclark1761]

Interesting views from both sides. Very nice to see leaders encouraging inclusion and recognition of the other side of the community, regardless of how the country is governed. #GoldenGob

[@bigbadredsox]

2024 is coming!!!

[@tomgreene6579]

Unionists may not feel at home ...what about social policy and language....let's talk about the new budget.

[@donalmaccormaic8173]

Interesting to hear some opinions that some Unionists have. I live in a neighbouring county in Ulster.

[@Kirealta]

Anyone else not want ni because of them being a money pit?

[@Tony-sj3xq]

I remember Slugger O'Toole , drunk as a rule , on the CNN : Peace in Northern Ireland website . I remember Tim Murphy from New York , ( called Slugger O' Toole ) , i also remember other people . Then Mick Fealty ( think that is Mick's surname ) , took over the Slugger site and he may still be running it . Anyhow , my name is Tony , hope you remember me , i moved back to N.I actually , getting older you know :-)

[@richardgoode5657]

A beautiful country.

[@mikelitorous5570]

Are that many people really religious anymore?

[@JJ-te2pi]

Yes, people ARE.

[@ChuckstaGaming]

It's a mistake to look at it as a religious divide. It's primarily political. And people are not that religious anymore, especially in the UK.

[@drumnykerne1]

Secretary of state will only call a border poll only if it will stabilise the situation.

[@sashman02]

I was born and reared just south of the border and I've voted for Heather Humphreys (a protestant). And I'm fairly happy with the job she has done. Unionists have nothing to fear from a united Ireland. I refuse to believe that marriage equality or female reproductive rights are the reasons to object to a united Ireland. If so, they would have left the UK already.

[@escalocity]

Wait a minute.... shouldn't supporters of the United Ireland be called Unionist?

[@blueicemax2268]

Aren't they all Irish!!

[@andykane439]

Yes they are

[@Clonmel86]

@Cham 01 now a days we are all born on the island of Ireland.

[@aleronjames2490]

Technically celtic, not Irish but the brits never cared for this just invading weaker nations for monetary gain foreign or next door. Unionists can embrace that at least we have common ancestry and drop the muh England crap because either way Ireland will come under the Republic, if they want to believe they're so different from Irish and leave for the UK, go, live in London and they'll be begging to be let back.

[@michaelkelleher862]

Whether a person in Northern Ireland is Nationalist or Unionist will not be the determining factor in a referendum. Neither will bite the hand that feeds them , Mother England. Who would like to lose all that subsidy and patronage? Would the Republic be able to take up the slack economically? I don’t think so. Would the Republic take in Northern Ireland? Maybe not!!!!!

[@jog9395]

is the unionist dont want a united ireland they should compromise and stay in the single market at least and have a customs border in the irish sea..not ideal for them not what they want , but they expect the nationalist to be separated from their country, thats even worse for nationalists...if they dont make this compromise i think ireland will eventually reunite as the nationalist people have the demographics and will have had enough at that stage. The unionist cant have it all their own way.

[@TheAndrewmcdizzle]

Unacceptable

[@evosagan2877]

I'm atheist, and culturally Irish, but born and raised in NI. I don't mind being part of the UK as long as I can access the NHS. If I had a choice between Éire Aontaithe and the NHS, I choose the latter. There's a growing number of people like me that don't give a fuck about what you call the place as long as our quality of life doesn't change too much.

[@JimmiAlli]

Religion causes far too many problems. The Irish are one people so eventually lreland will unite just like Germany.

[@shredder9536]

The problem isn't religion in Ireland, it is British government interference

[@conalmelarkey8181]

Born and bred on the border of fermanagh and your British how waken up born in Ireland north or south weather you like it or not your Irish

[@hurri7720]

I refuse to see this divide among people who are christian, presumably, as having anything to do with religion. The English have simply gone bonkers in their never ending sorrow of having lost the Empire. Brexit is this last death breath of a gone era. Look forward to a united Ireland, there is no future in the past.

[@StevioGaming1]

It's more economically, politically and safer to remain in the United Kingdom. If we were to join Ireland, no doubt the Irish economy would collapse not to mention the fact that the unionists would rise up and begin the troubles again but it would be against a country who simply couldn't fight the groups due to a weak military

[@cluideman]

Firstly the standard of living in the south is higher than in the north ,and the gap is continuing to widen .The Irish economy is a lot stronger and resilient than perhaps you are willing to give credit to .Irish business and workers have proved this in the last 10 years beyond any shadow of doubt .Perhaps the people of the north could look to the south and learn from this ,and maybe learn to stand on your own feet and come out from under the skirts of the English. From a political standpoint the south is now a successful multicultural society and has a proven record in this .Nobody in the south wants to harm Unionists or push them into a corner .On the contrary we want to build a country that is inclusive and respects everybody ,most especially the people of the north.You need to open your eyes as a people and let go of your hatred

[@JJ-te2pi]

Irish economy is top of the EU for growth rates, UK is nearer the bottom.

[@timlinator]

You can leave Arlene the only natural border is the Irish sea. Ireland will be United again!

[@veovis523]

If the occupationists were smart, they'd be calling for a referendum *right now* while they still have a chance for a majority. Once Brexit happens and the border comes back, the economic slump that follows will give a massive boost to the Republican movement and reunification will be all but inevitable.

[@jackeenjim]

Protestants/Loyalists whatever you like to be called, you have been in our country for over 300 years, isn't it about time you integrated? Imagine, say, a second generation Italian, Irishman, Swede or whatever living in England and not integrating, how would that go down?

[@alexhayden2303]

The, 'Irish Question', is a Gordian knot. The sword that will be its undoing: Issue an Ultimatum! N.I. to be given over to Eire! All those of British citizenship to be offered Free Removal to the mainland, all expenses paid, with compensation for any properties transferred. Any arbitration to err on the generous side!! This Scheme to be funded from the, 'Overseas Aid', Budget. Acta Non Verba!

[@maconescotland8996]

Once we have new a Tory or Labour government with a decent working majority Arlene and her party will revert to minor significance again in terms of UK politics.

[@stephenarcher8929]

Its enshrined in UK law that there will be no hard border on the Irish mainland. Its also enshrined in UK law that there will be no border down the Irish Sea. Therefore brexit is dead, long live brino. It amazes me that Kippers and the like have had decades to work out how UK would leave the EU but it never seemed to cross their mind that the UK can't leave and take the six counties in the north of Ireland too.

[@bensanderson7144]

a federal ireland is the answer, with a province set up solely for protestants. a little odd to have a federal system on a small island with a small population, but its the only way.

[@scotty101ire]

one small problem nobody in the south wants anything to do with a united ireland would n,t get the votes 60 40 against

[@tigerspuds]

Who gave you permission to speak for me?

[@magzsara9892]

If we have a united Ireland then the right of the Irish citizen to travel and live freely in the UK will cease. And those living in the UK could be deported. Ireland needs to consider how much it depends on the UK.

[@tonybrook4519]

The prods will only vote for a United Ireland once Ireland has left the EU.

[@teresaryan4242]

Moving the goalposts.

[@JMBPro]

who really wants to be apart of Ireland or Britain? Make northern Ireland independent

[@jacobluna305]

No

[@jamesgalvin1004]

Ireland should join the UK and leave the EU ...I’m Irish btw

[@Defaultname0000]

Firstly, there is no evidence to suggest a UI is happening anytime soon. According to the latest census data (2011), just 28% of people in NI described themselves as "Irish"; compare this statistic to the 48% of respondents who identify as "British" and I think you'll find this combined with the other statistics (28% of people identify as "Northern Irish") means that there is a decidedly strong pro-union majority in NE Ulster. Now, to the matter of a separate plebiscite in border counties such as Fermanagh. This is not politically expedient, and certainly not economically feasible for the future well-being of Northern Ireland. Meaning that nationalists would deliberately cause economic ruin to the rest of NI just for the sake of one county. It's either, you the get all 6 or get none. I think I'll pass on having some queer Indian run my country, thanks.

[@teresaryan4242]

Then you won't mind losing your right to Irish citizenship and passport and passports? Excellent.

[@celticlofts]

You can't assume that all Catholics would vote for a United Ireland, fair point, but it also stands to reason that you can't assume that all protestants want to stay part of the UK, especially in light of Brexit. London will not replace the money the North currently receives in grants from the EU. Personally I don't want to see Northern Ireland become part of the Irish republic, who in hell would want to inherit that kind of sectarianism and hate-mongering?