A question for Americans! Help settle an argument!?

Question

Do you consider the republic of Ireland to be part of the United Kingdom?

Answer 1

In my experience, the only people who are "British" are the English. You ask an Irishman, Scotsman or Welshman (heck, even the Cornishmen) if he's British, and the answer will be a resounding *NO*. Only the English seem to consider themselves to be a part of the UK, or Britain.
It's an odd little paradigm.

I myself don't consider Britain or the UK to be valid terms anymore, each country is it's own, though running under the Queen's name. Heck, even Scotland has it's own Parliament!

Answer 2

No! It's a few counties in the north which are part of the UK. I feel foolish that I can't remember anything other than Ulster. Irish-Americans are the people most likely to know the answer to this question. People whose ancestors came here during the famines, in the 1840's, still think of themselves as Irish. Interesting how that Celtic identity lasts.

I doubt that most of my neighbors could answer that question. Americans tend to be functionally illiterate when it comes to geography. We're geo-centric... if it ain't happenin' here, it doesn't exist!

We joke that we learn our geography from the news reports of what country we're invading. All older people know the map of Vietnam. Most of us now know where Iraq is. I'm an old lady, so I also know the map of Europe and Korea. lol

I believe it was only about 18% of Americans who had passports until recently, when the US changed the laws for travelers to Mexico and Canada, requiring that they show a passport upon returning.

I was born in the early 30's and in my generation only the very wealthy and people in the military traveled. Oh yes, and missionaries. In the last 15 years, air fare has become so cheap that a lot more people are traveling. I hope that helps Americans get a better rounded view of international relations.

Answer 3

Northern Ireland yes, Republic of Ireland, no.

But I still consider England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales individual countries.

Answer 4

No. Only Northern Ireland qualifies. The rest of Ireland has been a separate country for about a century.

Answer 5

The Republic of Ireland is an occupied country that has suffered under English domination for over 600 years. The current "Troubles" ( a typical English understatement . . .) are the direct result of England's despotic rule over the Island and, in my humble opinion, the English should unilaterally withdraw from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Enough is enough!

And I'm not Irish . . . . just a regular American mixed-breed.

Answer 6

the Republic of Ireland is an independent country and is not a part of the UK

Northern Ireland is a part of the UK

Answer 7

We consider Northern Ireland to be part of the UK, but Ireland itself to be a separate country. At least that's the way I learned it.

Answer 8

In school I learned Northern Ireland was part of the UK but that was then. When I think of Ireland now, I just think of Ireland, I don't consider it under British control. Is it still?

Answer 9

personally, I consider Ireland to be just that, Ireland.

I do not think of the UK when I think of Ireland..

just one persons opinion.

Answer 10

Ireland is Ireland.