why is it that the british government want to hold onto northern ireland?

Answer 1

The same reason the USA "holds on" to Puerto Rico: in democratic election after election, the people who live there say they want to stay as they are.

One of my daughters was born in Northern Ireland, the other went to university there. Both, to the extent they have a say, consider the democratic vote properly taken and the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement the last word.

Read it.

Answer 2

There are, in the five northern counties, a large number of people who wish to remain citizens of the United Kingdom.
There are also a large numberof people in the five counties who want to be citizens of a united Ireland.
I believe that the Britishers outnumber the Irishers, but I think I am right in saying that the Irishers are increasing in numbers and there may come a time when they outnumber the Britishers.
If it is then put to the vote and the Irishers win, it is feasible that a united Ireland would emerge through a democratic process. That is a fairly simplistic answer I know, but over the last 30 or more years the British taxpayer has poured millions and millions into that province, and if it became the will of the majority to become united with Ireland then The Irish would hear a concerted sigh of relief from English, Scottish and Welsh taxpayers.

Answer 3

Ireland was Britain's first colony and ever since the Anglo Normans arrived in 1169 there has been continuous migration to Ireland from Britain as it was seen as an opportunity to grab land most notably in the plantations. The plantation of Ulster took place in the early seventeenth century under the reign of James VI of Scotland and so inevitably there is now a clash of cultures between the Irish and British identities there. I don't believe the British Government want to hold on to Northern Ireland as there has been so much energy put into sorting out a peaceful conclusion to it's recent sorry history but as there are many British citizens there the British government has a responsibility to act in their interests. Of course the 1922 Treaty only made matters worse but what can I say? Imperial attitudes clouding reasonable thought!

Answer 4

The British and Irish governments have an agreement that Northern Ireland will become part of the Republic of Ireland when the majority of people vote for it in a referendum.

Answer 5

Not 'fair amount of people' the majority of people in N Ireland consider themselves british and want to remain British.

Handing it 'back' would not solve the problem and the people of N Ireland would never and have never voted for that!

Answer 6

People forget troops were originally sent to Ireland to protect the Catholics. Its got nothing to do with the British governemnt wanting it, if anything it wans to get rid of all dependencies.
A fair number of people in Northern Ireland believe themselves to be British.

Answer 7

Because Ireland is the best and he wants a bit of the best but telling ya ireland will be takin it back we might as well of already done so anyway coz there nearly all irish lovers anyway

Answer 8

I doubt if the government wants to hold on to it.
The people of N Ireland want to remain as part of Britain

Answer 9

When the citizens of ulster hold a referendum and decide thier own destiny.The UK would accept that outcome.However what if thier decision was to become an indepedant nation.Would that outcome be binding?It would be in the UK

Answer 10

government doesn't want to but the protestants of northern Ireland do, they are clingy.