Joe, great piece as always but just a few notes from an Irish person (also an admirer of James Connolly and a Irish republican).
We don't recognise the term British Isles in Ireland generally speaking. You will hear the argument that it is merely a geographic term, but similar to places like Denali or Uluru, who gets to coin the geographic term in the first place? UK and Ireland will do just fine, you will hear Irish or UK Labour politicians use the term "these islands" which, obviously, doesn't work outside... these islands.
Similarly Ulster does not equal Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is 6 of the 9 counties of the province of Ulster, the other 3 are in the republic. And if you're wondering why the other 3 aren't in Northern Ireland - well the demographics wouldn't have gone the unionist way if they had been included.
Finally, Burnham's comments on the GFA were him merely saying out loud what every British prime minister since 1998 has thought. The referendum can only be triggered by the British Secretary State of Northern Ireland - when the demographics are favourable. The demographics are trending towards unity, but unionists are still the majority, and there's an increasing cohort who, regardless of family background, aren't pushed either way. It's this cohort who will have to be won over by us in the republic, and I don't think our establishment wants to do this. Our Taoiseach Micheál Martin is the most anti-unity leader we've ever had. Our 7/8ths of the island is a neoliberal vassal state of American corporate interests with declining public services.
The meeting between the Celtic nations was wonderful to see, but it's a long road yet.
I'm glad you mentioned Ireland as a neoliberal vassal state. For all the revolutionary and nationalist sentiment, it's important to remember Ireland is currently a centrist (maybe even center-right) country.
In an European context sure. Compared to America we're still dirty commies lol
Our divide was on civil war lines, not left v right. The two parties arising from the war were both conservative and Catholic and they essentially merged this decade leaving a vacuum for a left opposition which I wish Sinn Féin was a bit better at, they've been all over the place the last few years. Worryingly the far right and online hate is also creeping in. Irish people generally are fair minded & compassionate but we have been badly served.
It’s a kind of divide that happens when a colonial power is in charge. The typical political lines get muddied with the goal being to rid oneself of the imperial power. See also: Puerto Rico
One thing I think is under-discussed is about Scotland in particular; + how reluctant England is to give it up: my hypothesis is that the British Army has always relied upon significant formations of Scots troops; troops that an independent Scotland would seek to lure back home to form its own national defense forces, separate from the Brits'. Westminster would fear that, especially if it were in concert with Wales.
Great point. I can't speak to the national makeup of the army, but it would certainly make sense. England is the richest kingdom, so I imagine soldiers come from middle- and lower-income backgrounds, as they do in America.
Great article on Owain Glyndŵr Day no less! To try to add some further Welsh context from the perspective of a Anglo-Welsh guy now in the US. The shambles of Brexit, I think has made many Welsh people realise the whole argument of being economically stronger within the UK as a myth. It personally flipped me, as wellas changing my view on Scotland to pro independence.
That plus many things have pushed people towards self determination. This includes the scam of HS2 being paid for by people from Cymru, despite not going through a nation you can't travel easily directly north to south by.
Add in younger generations being taught Cymraeg and (at least some) elements of Welsh history, and there has been a shift - albeit from 20% to 33% of independence, though this is more 50% to slightly in favour for under 35s.
Joe, great piece as always but just a few notes from an Irish person (also an admirer of James Connolly and a Irish republican).
We don't recognise the term British Isles in Ireland generally speaking. You will hear the argument that it is merely a geographic term, but similar to places like Denali or Uluru, who gets to coin the geographic term in the first place? UK and Ireland will do just fine, you will hear Irish or UK Labour politicians use the term "these islands" which, obviously, doesn't work outside... these islands.
Similarly Ulster does not equal Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is 6 of the 9 counties of the province of Ulster, the other 3 are in the republic. And if you're wondering why the other 3 aren't in Northern Ireland - well the demographics wouldn't have gone the unionist way if they had been included.
Finally, Burnham's comments on the GFA were him merely saying out loud what every British prime minister since 1998 has thought. The referendum can only be triggered by the British Secretary State of Northern Ireland - when the demographics are favourable. The demographics are trending towards unity, but unionists are still the majority, and there's an increasing cohort who, regardless of family background, aren't pushed either way. It's this cohort who will have to be won over by us in the republic, and I don't think our establishment wants to do this. Our Taoiseach Micheál Martin is the most anti-unity leader we've ever had. Our 7/8ths of the island is a neoliberal vassal state of American corporate interests with declining public services.
The meeting between the Celtic nations was wonderful to see, but it's a long road yet.
Thanks for adding that context!
I'm glad you mentioned Ireland as a neoliberal vassal state. For all the revolutionary and nationalist sentiment, it's important to remember Ireland is currently a centrist (maybe even center-right) country.
In an European context sure. Compared to America we're still dirty commies lol
Our divide was on civil war lines, not left v right. The two parties arising from the war were both conservative and Catholic and they essentially merged this decade leaving a vacuum for a left opposition which I wish Sinn Féin was a bit better at, they've been all over the place the last few years. Worryingly the far right and online hate is also creeping in. Irish people generally are fair minded & compassionate but we have been badly served.
It’s a kind of divide that happens when a colonial power is in charge. The typical political lines get muddied with the goal being to rid oneself of the imperial power. See also: Puerto Rico
Finally a historical moment I’ve been wanting to see
Fingers crossed!
Also the funniest thing is to have England just by themselves. Not even control over their island lmao
End of an empire!
One thing I think is under-discussed is about Scotland in particular; + how reluctant England is to give it up: my hypothesis is that the British Army has always relied upon significant formations of Scots troops; troops that an independent Scotland would seek to lure back home to form its own national defense forces, separate from the Brits'. Westminster would fear that, especially if it were in concert with Wales.
Great point. I can't speak to the national makeup of the army, but it would certainly make sense. England is the richest kingdom, so I imagine soldiers come from middle- and lower-income backgrounds, as they do in America.
Maybe don’t call it the British Isles?
Good to know! What's the preferred term?
Here is Ireland, call them whatever you want! Love your stuff, wasn’t trying to be cheeky!
No worries! I didn't take it that way. 🙂
Is there a different preferred term for Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man etc?
You just did it
Don’t call us the British Isles
Great article on Owain Glyndŵr Day no less! To try to add some further Welsh context from the perspective of a Anglo-Welsh guy now in the US. The shambles of Brexit, I think has made many Welsh people realise the whole argument of being economically stronger within the UK as a myth. It personally flipped me, as wellas changing my view on Scotland to pro independence.
That plus many things have pushed people towards self determination. This includes the scam of HS2 being paid for by people from Cymru, despite not going through a nation you can't travel easily directly north to south by.
Add in younger generations being taught Cymraeg and (at least some) elements of Welsh history, and there has been a shift - albeit from 20% to 33% of independence, though this is more 50% to slightly in favour for under 35s.
*Well the day before Glyndŵr day