In the latest in our series on the fate of the Union, we talk to historians Richard Bourke and Niamh Gallagher about the history of Northern Ireland's relationship to the rest of the UK. From the Anglo-Irish Union to partition to the Troubles to the Peace Process to Brexit and beyond, we discuss what makes Northern Irish politics so contentious and whether consensus is possible. Plus we ask if Irish re-unification is coming and what it might look like.
Talking Points:
The Anglo-Irish union was a response to the 1798 rebellion. It was a means of pacification through incorporation.
The home rule movement was seeking a devolved administration, but failure to deliver that made the Irish Catholic movement more committed to independence.
In Northern Ireland, proportional representation was abolished in local elections in 1923, and in general elections in 1929. In practice, Northern Ireland became a single party state with a large, disempowered minority.
At some point during the 20th century, the dynamics of Northern Ireland became seen as a problem that didn’t apply to the rest of Britain.
Today, Unionism in the North has become a new phenomenon focused on its own domestic welfare and constituency.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Further Learning:
And as ever, recommended reading curated by our friends at the LRB can be...
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/talkingpolitics.
New Podcast: These Times
New Podcast: Where Are You Going?
New Podcast: Past Present Future
Finale
Helen Thompson/Disorder
The Meaning of Macron
The Meaning of Boris Johnson
Putin’s Next Move
The Next Big Thing
American Civil War?
Two Topics for 2022
Boris: The Ghost of Christmas Present
1848 and All That
Supply Chains, Inflation & the Metaverse
Where is China Heading?
Climate Ambition vs Energy Reality
Hilary Mantel
Free with Lea Ypi
German Lessons
Shutdown/Confronting Leviathan
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free