For GB residents only, please. Do you feel the people in NI are British or Irish?

Question

This is a serious academic question. I have been told that most people in England feel that all the people in NI are Irish and just wish the British govt would give it up. Is this true?

Hibee, you are correct, and I do know that NI is part of the UK and GB. But this question was aimed for Great Britain so as not to include those in NI. I believe we all have a good idea what the "majority" wants there. Thank you.

I meant to say "NOT GB". How come such a simple question has to be turned around by people all the time?

Answer 1

This is a complicated question as you probably know: When Ireland was partitioned six Northern Counties were left under the jurisdiction and control of Great Britain. The remaining 26 counties became the Republic of Ireland. When both Ireland and GB joined the EU the borders for all intents and purposes between the North and South disappeared. As a Southern Republican, who has lived in London for 40 years, I call the North, Northern Ireland, others call it Ulster, which is incorrect. Two Republican counties in Ulster are not part of Northern Ireland - Donegal and Monaghan. It does not worry me what the people of Northern Ireland refer to themselves as, but I would think it right and proper that they be called Irish. Incidentally, the most Irish thing imaginable is the fact that the most Northerly part of all Ireland is in the South. United the Island of Ireland is, has always been and will remain, no matter what allegiance the people from the North give, what they call themselves or even believe they are. I would love to see a 32 county Ireland but would not lift a finger to try to gain it by force. The only way is the Ballot Box.... If I have offended any Northern Ireland people by what I have said, please accept my apologies, there was no intention to do such a thing............

Answer 2

I do, as we all abide by the same laws, have same currency, and similar issues facing us, as being part of Great Britain. People obviously still do have an Irish identity, as do Welsh, Scottish and English people. I would have to say that the people are both British and Irish.

Sorry for not really answering the question

Answer 3

British of course thats like saying are the scottish are not british but scottish when Scotland is only a part of Britain and not a country as of yet in its own right

Answer 4

I feel that they are Irish.

But then, when I give my own nationality, I say I'm English. I have friends in Scotland and Wales who say they are Scottish and Welsh. This is despite the fact that all three of us have passports which state that we are "British".

I don't think it's anything to do with Nationalism though. I think it's all to do with accents! I think of Gordon Ramsay as English. Well, does he SOUND like a Scot?!

Answer 5

For purely academic reasons, Northern Ireland is part of Great Britian, perhaps you could rephrase the question.

Do English people feel.....

Since Scotland and Wales are devolved I hope N.Ireland will follow soon

Answer 6

My friends from NI consider themselves British. I am English and also consider myself British

Answer 7

i do feel they are irish because they have a border with ireland and a lot of similar culture and heritage but i dont really care either way if the government gives it up as it doenst affect me on a day to day basis but i think the people of northern ireland should choose.

Answer 8

Great Britian is made up of 4 areas - England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales,
so to answer your question they are British whether they like it or not.

Answer 9

Tricky. I'd like them to be whatever they prefer to be. I think of them as British though but I can understand if they wanna be thought of as Irish. I mean I'm English but think of myself as British.

Answer 10

You recommend Scottish? I evaluate myself Scottish. Over my lifeless body will I call myself British and it makes me livid at the same time as human beings from countries like u . s . of america confuse us with being English :)) you imagine there is lack of unity? Scottish human beings under no circumstances requested to affix britain, in reality, countless us ought to die for independence!