Unionists (Ireland)

In the context of Irish politics, Unionists are people in Northern Ireland, who wish to see the continuation of the 1801 Act of Union, as amended by the Government of Ireland Act 1920, under which Northern Ireland, created in that latter Act, remains part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Unionists are mostly, but not exclusively, from Protestant backgrounds in terms of religion. In the context of Irish history, the term refers to those who opposed home rule for Ireland within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Related Topics:
Irish politics - Northern Ireland - 1801 Act of Union - Government of Ireland Act 1920 - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Irish history - Home rule - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

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The terms Unionist and Loyalist are often used interchangeably; however, the term "loyalist" is often used in recent times to denote unionists who are not above breaking the law to maintain the status quo, or whose views are unusually hardline. Since the start of the Northern Ireland peace process, most unionists are reluctant to describe themselves as loyalists.

Related Topics:
Loyalist - Northern Ireland peace process

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