Irish nationalism

An Irish nationalist is generally one who seeks (greater) independence of Ireland from Great Britain, including since 1921 the goal of a United Ireland. The nationalist position is often contrasted with that of Unionists.

Related Topics:
Ireland - Great Britain - 1921 - United Ireland - Unionists

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In the 19th century most Irish people were in favour of Home Rule – an Irish parliament within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Following the fall of Charles Stewart Parnell this was eventually won by John Redmond and the Irish Parliamentary Party and granted under the Third Home Rule Act 1914, limited however by a partition of Northern Ireland bill, after the British government bowed to the threat of the Ulster Volunteer Force. Following this example, physical force republicanism became increasingly dominantand, after the Easter Rising of 1916, became the dominant force in Ireland until independence for 26 of Ireland's 32 counties ensued under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920 and the subsequent Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Related Topics:
19th century - Home Rule - Parliament - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland - Charles Stewart Parnell - John Redmond - Irish Parliamentary Party - Home Rule Act 1914 - Northern Ireland - British government - Ulster Volunteer Force - Physical force - Republicanism - Easter Rising - 1916 - Government of Ireland Act, 1920 - Anglo-Irish Treaty

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In Northern Ireland today the term is used to refer either to the Catholic population in general or specifically the supporters of the moderate Social Democratic and Labour Party led by Mark Durkan, to distinguish them from Sinn Féin voters, known as Irish republicans. Originally, however, the term republican was applied to those who advocated the complete independence of Ireland from Great Britain while nationalist originally denoted those who strove for parliamentary All-Ireland (32 county) Dominion self-government within the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
Northern Ireland - Catholic - Social Democratic and Labour Party - Mark Durkan - Sinn Féin - Irish republicans - Ireland - Great Britain - Dominion - United Kingdom

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The parties widely recognized as representing the moderate nationalist tradition include Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the SDLP.

Related Topics:
Fianna Fáil - Fine Gael - SDLP

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In the Republic, the idea of what Irish nationalism actually means has changed dramatically since the Free State era, particularly since the 1960's with growing prosperity signalling a new departure in both economic and social priorities, as well as the changing relationship with the North.

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