Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Religion: The Dichotomy of Northen Ireland
The other group is the Catholics. They make up 43% of the population
and share the same religion, culture, and ethnic background with the
Republic of Ireland. Therefore, the Catholics want to unify the
Republic of Ireland. In 1968, the Catholics launched a revolt and
formed the Irish Republican Army (IRA). They reverted to terrorism
to fight back against the Protestants.
The two sides are still at a standstill. In 1998, the two sides came
to an agreement called the Good Friday Accords. It was supported by
both groups, including separate political parties and splinter
groups, in a referendum. Peace was an achievable concept, at this
time.
However, on August 15, 1998 a bomb in Omagh claimed 28 lives and
caused hundreds of injuries. This incident has strained the
possibility of peace in Northen Ireland.
Religion and ethnic background are the chief dividing lines among
the people of Northen Ireland. The Protestants make up the majority
of the people in Northern Ireland with approximately 57% of the
population. They are located in the region of Ulster. Most of them
trace their ancestry back to Scotland or England. They are in favor
of maintaining allegiance to the United Kingdom. The Ulster Defense
Association (UDA) fought against the will of the Catholics to secede
to unify the island.
