Loyalism and the GFA

Date: 8th May '02

Name: Sean Burns

Country: Ireland

My question is thus:
Does Provisional Sinn Fein's perceived strategy of being 'persuaders for Irish Unity' (re:
Loyalism and Unionism) belittle the consistancy and strength of these ideaologies as reactionary forces? Unionism and Loyalism may be outflanked politically on occasion but their abilities to become touchstones for the Protestant community appears undiminished. This appears especially the case when such communities see themselves 'under threat' (or as they may ill-perceive it; 'concessions' are given to Republicans via the political process). The general consensus amongst Protestants in North Belfast certainly seems to reflect this view. Likewise, with this in mind, are we really likely to see a United Ireland in 15 years? If the Brits leave, will Loyalists simply go home and shut their doors (accepting a 'democratic' mandate that usurps their very identity)?

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