Irish Unity day
Impromptu military parades began across the nation as the second Irish troubles came to a close, and a new era dawned on the Isle of Sky. Yes, the island was now united under the Banner of the People's Republic, and they could now fully begin the process of rebuilding. With the surrender of Londonderry on the 17th, Saint Patrick's day, all major rebel factions had been wiped out completely, a relief for those both Urban and Rural, as now fathers could return home and farmers could till their fields in peace. The day was officially made a national holiday, with all banks closing and government workers being given the day off. For the military, bottles of alcohol were given to the troops, and a tidy bonus to be spent on the small amount of luxuries now available. The General-Secretary held a press conference on this at 1:30 PM, and had this to say,
"We are most happy to announce the last of the rebels have agreed to let down their arms, and join the nation without a shot. This is a great day for the people of Ireland, both Orange and Green, as a new dawn arrives in Ireland. This momentous occasion, it's legacy leading all the way back to the brave Easter rising of Nineteen-Sixteen, will be told throughout our history, as the day our nation became whole again, and her northern provinces, the lands of Tyrone and Ulster, finally rejoin her sisters of the south. We welcome our new citizens, English and Gaelic, for they are our brothers now, and we will not let such sectarian differences divide us. We are Irish, all of whom now live here. And we will begin the process of rebuilding, once again. But there is still work to be done. Yes, for the people's liberation cannot rest, and we have been given an offer from those on the Isle of Mann. Although such violence is now off our shores, I can promise you, the freedom we now share will be extended to all people of the British Isles. But I will tell you, it will always be remembered as Ireland that began that revolution, and forward progress into the new world. Thank you."
A barrage of questions was thrown at the Secretary-General, and he smiled as they lined up to ask.
"What will happen to the captives?"
"They will be treated fairly, and given the opportunity to right their past wrongs against the people. Next question-"
"Are you saying the Irish armed forces will be invading the British Isle?"
The room gained a strange silence.
"We will be working with local groups, both Irish, English, Scottish, and Welsh, to right the wrongs of the past, and bring stability to the Isles once again."
More questions came on this, but the General-Secretary waved goodbye and left the podium, leaving the various reporters unsure what to think. The speaker of Congress stood and answered a few more questions on the economy, most notably the reopening of the Guinness company, and the plans to start exports by the next year.
The government released a report detailing estimates for the population and religious demographics now that the island has been unified. It seems a mass de-urbanization has occurred, but is slowly settling and reversing as jobs begin to appear once again in the inner cities. The population is now an estimated 4.6 million, about three hounded and seventy three thousand less than 2018. According to church records and estimation, this is how the population breaks down: 57.5% Irish catholic, 14.5% Other Christianity, 4% Other, 24% Atheist / No religion. The GDP has grown significantly across the nation, up to 34 Billion, or 7,380 USD / Person, although most of the change is due to the annexation of the rest of Ireland. The Military however, has swelled to nearly fifty-seven thousand, with approximately two thousand in the navy, one point five thousand in the air force, and fifty-three point five thousand in the infantry.
In a Unanimous vote, the Irish Congress has agreed to Annex the Island of Man. The nation's citizens would be full citizens, and it's military incorporated into it's own. The Island of man has officially been incorporated into the newfound 'Union of Brythonian Socialist Republics', made up of currently the Irish People's Republic, and the Mannish People's Republic. Both will have congresses and significant self-government in local issues, but the Irish Congress will be the supreme authority, responsible for foreign matters, and Dublin will stay the capital of the Union. It is hoped in many government spheres this may go on to establish Hegemony across the British Isles, but this will have to be seen in the near future.
In addition to this, several cities across The People's Republic of Ireland have been officially renamed into Gaelic. The Capital Dublin, for instance, has become Dulyn, Cork has been renamed Chorc, and the like. In addition to this, in a program known as "The Gaelic Cultural initiative", all schools in Ireland will be required to Teach Gaelic in addition to any other language. Several other project ideas, such as the Football Association of Brythonia, have been put forth to try and drum up national unity and a sense of common Gaelic culture.
March 22nd, 2023- Three large announcements come from Dulyn, to the celebration of many. Counties across Ireland are being given the opportunity to create their own regional Football teams, under the new Football Association of Brythonia, mandated days before. Many players from before the fall have already signed up to play for their home teams, as a feeling of nation-wide excitement for the beloved game sweeps from Cork to Belfast. The First game has already been scheduled for Sunday, April 2nd, as the two teams- Dundalk F.C and Cork play against eachother- the two teams having already informally been created before the mandate. This also marks the first nationally televised event since 2018, with it being broadcasted as national television, to the cheer of many welcoming the return to somewhat normalcy. Bars across the nation have already announced they will be reopening to watch the game, relying on the stream of bootleg moonshine and the little alcohol starting to be made officially by various co-ops and semi-private businesses across the nation. The Nationalized Brand of Guinness has also announced they will be giving away their famous brew to as many as they can, the government subsidizing their losses. Bets have already been made, and it seems as if Dundalk F.C is expected to win, but it really is a toss up among most.
In addition, the government has officially adopted a new seal for the union, and a flag has (unofficially) been adopted across many of the offices, although the old Republic and Communist flags are still being used across the nation. Times seem to be sweeping ahead in the homefront, as many Irish men and women start to become more confident in the system. Birth rates have finally started to grow, stopping a very long downward trend ever since the global collapse, a very good sign for many in government who feared the absence of a younger generation during the collapse.
Finally, schools have been scheduled to reopen in May from kindergarten to high school across the nation, with local government's currently having to foot the bill with some national grants. The Irish Congress has announced that although schools will be highly autonomous in how they teach, but the curriculum- notably Marxist principles and Gaelic cultural and linguistic studies will be mandatory. The Communist party has also announced it's youth branch, The Republican Youth, for ages 11-18. A co-ed platform, it focuses on Marxist principles, Leadership, outdoor activities like camping, career preparation, Pan-Gaelic culture, and patriotic duty. It is hoped this may help mold the new generation growing up in the time of great strife, into the citizens and leadership of tomorrow, ensuring the legacy of the revolution for years to come.
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