(UK of GB and) NI General Election 2015

[The Northumbrian Republic]

I personally would like to see a united Irish republic as long as they have an NHS there and I also approve the INLA's voluntary self-disarmanent and their logo.

[Angleter]

What have they done? Deselected a candidate after finding out they're gay?

http://i.imgur.com/EWSUcPx.jpg

Christ. Although the sources do seem to be disgruntled UUP folks.

[Naushantiya]

If I was allowed to vote the Sinn Fein is rather obvious

[Chucky Arla]

Based on my rudimentary knowledge of Northern Irish politics the Alliance party, I seem to remember their being a unionist party which wasn't a conservative party but its name escaped me.

There was Basil MacCraes vanity project but it imploded so the only parties of unionism in the North are bigoted, conservative and sectarian.

[Greater-London]

There was Basil MacCraes vanity project but it imploded so the only parties of unionism in the North are bigoted, conservative and sectarian.

Surely almost all parties are sectarian in Northern Ireland to a certain extent - especially If you continue to designate your parties along unionist and nationalist lines.

[Chucky Arla]

There was Basil MacCraes vanity project but it imploded so the only parties of unionism in the North are bigoted, conservative and sectarian.

Surely almost all parties are sectarian in Northern Ireland to a certain extent - especially If you continue to designate your parties along unionist and nationalist lines.

No that's a ridiculous statement. There is nothing completely tying nationalism / unionism with sectarianism. It's just unfortunately the case that the unionist parties have strong sectarian tendencies.

[Greater-London]

No that's a ridiculous statement. There is nothing completely tying nationalism / unionism with sectarianism. It's just unfortunately the case that the unionist parties have strong sectarian tendencies.

No I know there isn't but you can't pretend that nationalism/unionism isn't without a sectarian dimension too it. As I've said before I don't have an extensive knowledge of NI politics but surely troubles where about competing forms of nationalism, with those groups being largely defined along religious lines.

If political parties distinguish themselves along nationalist lines then you continue the sectarian divide.

[Wintanceastre]

If I were to vote in N.I. I'd most likely vote TUV (Traditional Unionist Voice).

[Dragonir]

Ukip

[Chucky Arla]

No that's a ridiculous statement. There is nothing completely tying nationalism / unionism with sectarianism. It's just unfortunately the case that the unionist parties have strong sectarian tendencies.

No I know there isn't but you can't pretend that nationalism/unionism isn't without a sectarian dimension too it. As I've said before I don't have an extensive knowledge of NI politics but surely troubles where about competing forms of nationalism, with those groups being largely defined along religious lines.

You're right, you clearly don't have much understanding of the North of Irelands politics if you think that's the case.

If political parties distinguish themselves along nationalist lines then you continue the sectarian divide.

No you don't.

[Liberty and Linguistics]

Northern Irish politics is a clusterfuck. Does Monster Raving Loony have any affiliate in Northern Ireland?

[Chucky Arla]

If I were to vote in N.I. I'd most likely vote TUV (Traditional Unionist Voice).

Why?

[Chucky Arla]

Northern Irish politics is a clusterfuck. Does Monster Raving Loony have any affiliate in Northern Ireland?

Not that i'm aware of

[Greater-London]

You're right, you clearly don't have much understanding of the North of Irelands politics if you think that's the case.

Fair enough but then what is the sectarian divide if its not about nationalism?

[Chucky Arla]

You're right, you clearly don't have much understanding of the North of Irelands politics if you think that's the case.

Fair enough but then what is the sectarian divide if its not about nationalism?

It's about a divide between ethnic Catholics and ethnic Protestants. It's a divide set up by foundation of a protestant statelet by Britain when Ireland was partitioned and the deprivation of equal rights for Catholics stemming from that.

[Greater-London]

It's about a divide between ethnic Catholics and ethnic Protestants. It's a divide set up by foundation of a protestant statelet by Britain when Ireland was partitioned and the deprivation of equal rights for Catholics stemming from that.

Right, except the actual divide in practice between the two groups isn't remotely theological is it? the dispute is about competing British and Irish nationalism; the ethnic national divide just happens to be along religious lines.

[Chucky Arla]

It's about a divide between ethnic Catholics and ethnic Protestants. It's a divide set up by foundation of a protestant statelet by Britain when Ireland was partitioned and the deprivation of equal rights for Catholics stemming from that.

Right, except the actual divide in practice between the two groups isn't remotely theological is it?

You'll note the bit where I said ethnic not theological. This is like Ireland 101 here.

the dispute is about competing British and Irish nationalism; the ethnic national divide just happens to be along religious lines.

No the divide isn't between nationalism and unionism. That's why you don't see people checking out the political support of the people they attack. They attack on ethnic grounds only.

I don't understand. You start by admitting your ignorance and then cling strongly to it despite being educated otherwise.

[Chucky Arla]

It really does shock me how little the people in Great Britain know about a region they fight so much in aid of. It seems like it would be of extreme benefit to your people to understand how badly the state can treat the people it purports to act for.

[Benian Republic]

It really does shock me how little the people in Great Britain know about a region they fight so much in aid of. It seems like it would be of extreme benefit to your people to understand how badly the state can treat the people it purports to act for.

Let's not start say "your people" some people might find that a bit offensive.

[Wintanceastre]

If I were to vote in N.I. I'd most likely vote TUV (Traditional Unionist Voice).

Why?

TUV supports the continued union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, they are conservative, they support the prevalence of nomocracy in all parts of Northern Ireland... Overall, a party I can agree with.

[Chucky Arla]

It really does shock me how little the people in Great Britain know about a region they fight so much in aid of. It seems like it would be of extreme benefit to your people to understand how badly the state can treat the people it purports to act for.

Let's not start say "your people" some people might find that a bit offensive.

No.

[Greater-London]

1.You'll note the bit where I said ethnic not theological. This is like Ireland 101 here.

2. No the divide isn't between nationalism and unionism. That's why you don't see people checking out the political support of the people they attack. They attack on ethnic grounds only.

3. I don't understand. You start by admitting your ignorance and then cling strongly to it despite being educated otherwise.

1. No I know its an ethnic divide. The reason why I said its not "theological" is because I fail to see how the divide between the two is anything other than national identity - if its about one ethnicity enforcing rule over another then how can it be anything other than a nationalist divide?

2. Okay. Except if its a conflict along ethnic lines then its a ethno-nationalist conflict.

3. No I admit I am ignorant. I'm still ignorant. I'm perfectly happy to be wrong here, I just don't think what you initially said really responded to my point, hence why I probed.

[Liberty and Linguistics]

Northern Irish politics is a clusterfuck. Does Monster Raving Loony have any affiliate in Northern Ireland?

Not that i'm aware of

'Tis a damn shame. Alliance could be worse, they're the best choice for Northern Ireland. Sectarianism destroyed the region, so the Alliance might be best. Sure, their support of "non-sectarianism" basically means "we support the status quo, we're just too cowardly to say it" is annoying. On the bright side, they're fairly rational liberals.

[Atlanticatia]

Green Party or the Alliance. I am a social-democrat but would not vote for a sectarian/Irish Nationalist party like Sinn Fein or SDLP.

[Dejanic]

Green Party or the Alliance. I am a social-democrat but would not vote for a sectarian/Irish Nationalist party like Sinn Fein or SDLP.

I understand why some are sceptical of Sinn Fein, but SDLP are just ordinary Social Democrats who believe in Irish unification.

I'd go SDLP but Sinn Fein tactically depending on the seat.