Defining Unionism II - Ulster unionism and the difference cult

Writers on Ulster unionism have long recognised the existence of two competing forms of the philosophy. Civic and Cultural Unionism, of course, are ambiguous and elusive concepts, particularly when we try and neatly classify unionist politics into either category. Civic unionists have often used the language of cultural unionism to bolster a wavering electorate, there has been a certain amount of crossover between the two strands and many unionists and unionist politicians straddle the two definitions to a greater or lesser extent.

Broadly, the civic unionist position is focused on the importance of the shared political, legal and cultural institutions of the United Kingdom. Cultural unionists are focused on the particulars of the British and protestant traditions in Ireland. There is no mutual exclusivity between the two unionisms, but generally the former has a tendency towards political rationalism, inclusivity, plurality and secularism whilst the latter tends to be narrower, to be focused on the interests of Ulster Protestants, on occasions to flirt with religious dogmatism and in many cases has an insular character. It is when this latter tendency manifests itself in ambivalence to the rest of the United Kingdom and indeed to the Union itself, that Cultural Unionism becomes Ulster Nationalism and becomes a contradiction in terms.

With its emphasis on religion and ethnicity, Cultural Unionism has much more in common with Irish Nationalism than its civic counterpart. It is no accident then that Republicans can much more comfortably identify with Ian Paisley for example, rather than Lord Kilclooney or David Trimble, politicians cut from a much more mainstream British cloth, and men as comfortable in Westminster as Stormont.

This instinctive understanding of nationalism has manifested itself also in the new Stormont administrations flirtation with Scottish and Welsh nationalists. The strand of the DUP most in tune with their leader and most steeped in Ulster particularism, see less danger in pandering to Sinn Fein’s ethnic identity rhetoric, as long as their own perceived identity is also indulged. This is where ethnic nationalists in the DUP and the “sopping wet unionists” Alex Kane sees in the Union Group tend to converge, in a willingness to indulge Sinn Féin under the guise of diversity. The DUP in many cases are paid up members of the cult of the loyalist community and so are prepared to sign up to the cult of the republican community all the more easily.

Respecting difference is an important tenet of liberal democracy and by implication of Civic Unionism. Pluralism, tolerance and diversity are three of the ideas we believe are safe-guarded by the Union. There is a very clear distinction, however, between valuing diversity and institutionalising, emphasising and fetishising difference. Rather than building bridges, the agenda of the two main parties, which others are allowing themselves to be drawn into, is to polarise and separate our two communities.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hi there to every , as I am truly keen of reading this website's post to be updated regularly. It includes fastidious stuff.

Look into my webpage :: Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
This paragraph provides clear idea in favor of the new
users of blogging, that in fact how to do blogging.


Take a look at my website: Abercrombie & Fitch
Anonymous said…
It's appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I've
learn this put up and if I may I desire to recommend you some interesting things or advice.
Perhaps you could write subsequent articles referring to this
article. I desire to read even more issues approximately it!


Also visit my web-site Louis Vuitton Outlet Online
Anonymous said…
I got this website from my friend who shared with me regarding this web site and now this time I am browsing this web site and reading very informative content at this place.


Here is my blog: Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
I've been browsing online greater than three hours nowadays, but I never found any fascinating article like yours. It's beautiful worth enough for me.
In my view, if all website owners and bloggers
made just right content material as you probably did, the web
might be a lot more useful than ever before.

My blog post; Chaussures De Football Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
I'm gone to convey my little brother, that he should also pay a quick visit this website on regular basis to take updated from most up-to-date reports.

my weblog: Air max pas Cher
Anonymous said…
Your style is very unique compared to other people I've read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.



Review my weblog ... Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that
automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

Also visit my site :: Abercrombie & Fitch
Anonymous said…
I'm not sure where you're getting your info, but good topic.

I needs to spend some time learning much more or figuring out
more. Thank you for fantastic info I used to be
in search of this info for my mission.

Here is my page; Nike Free Sko
Anonymous said…
What's up friends, how is all, and what you want to say about this piece of writing, in my view its in fact amazing for me.

Also visit my page: check this out
Anonymous said…
Thanks , I've just been looking for info approximately this subject for a long time and yours is the best I have discovered till now. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you sure in regards to the source?

My webpage: Visit Website
Anonymous said…
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.

Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?


Visit my web site - Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
First off I would like to say terrific blog! I had a quick question
which I'd like to ask if you don't mind. I was interested to know
how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
I've had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Thanks!

my site; Oakley Frogskins
Anonymous said…
I enjoy reading through an article that can make people think.

Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment!

Also visit my webpage ... Cheap NFL Jerseys *explorethecapabilities.com*
Anonymous said…
Wow! At last I got a webpage from where I know how to actually take helpful information regarding my study and knowledge.


Feel free to visit my webpage - Wholesale Jerseys
Anonymous said…
Hello, its good piece of writing concerning media print, we
all know media is a great source of information.


Here is my web site - Michael Kors Outlet
Anonymous said…
fantastic points altogether, you just received a
new reader. What might you suggest about your publish
that you made some days ago? Any sure?

Feel free to visit my webpage Nike Blazers []
Anonymous said…
That is very fascinating, You are an excessively professional blogger.

I have joined your rss feed and look forward to looking for more of your
fantastic post. Also, I've shared your site in my social networks

Here is my web blog Michael Kors Outlet

Popular posts from this blog

Football fever in Russia

Shia Revival

Walker loada rubbish