Liam's Irish Traditional Music - Irelands culture and tradition

Drawing a boundary line separating the six counties of Ulster from the Irish Free State gave the Protestants a political majority in Ulster in 1921. A parliament was Set up which was allowed a limited form of self-government, appropriate to a situation in which the majority had decided to keep rule from Westminster. This was accepted reluctantly because there was no political alternative other than being ruled by the Dáil from Dublin. On 7th December 1922 Ulster followed this separatist policy, and opted out of further political connection with the Irish Free State. The Unionist Party won the general election In 1921, with an overwhelming majority. This was to continue to be the pattern of political Life in Ulster, with no fewer than 40 out of 52 seats in the Belfast parliament held by supporters of the Ulster Union.

From the beginning, Ulster politics reflected the tension between the two communities living there, and the unresolved problems between the two states. When the Irish Free State voted in the new constitution and became a republic, the Unionists were determined that their state should remain independent. The Ulster Unionists were also convinced that the only way to achieve. Stability was to maintain their power in Stormont, their parliament, and in local councils. It is considered essential that Ulster Unionists are members of the Orange Order. This is a well organized movement that attracts Protestants from all classes and social backgrounds. The Ulster Unionist Party remained in a majority from 1921 to 1972, virtually unopposed in Stormont.

In local, government the Unionists maintained control through giving votes based on ownership of property. The reason behind this was simply that those who paid rates should have representation on the local council, and vote; Voting was based on owning houses, paying rent or owning businesses. Many Catholics were unable to vote because they did not fit in these categories. They were caught in a "vicious circle" from which they could not break out. Ulster remained the only part of the United Kingdom, which maintained this sort of discrimination. In addition, businesses were also allowed to nominate up to six council members each and vote as well. This system of plural voting was eventually abolished in 1968, but these reforms came too late to relieve the growth of tension within the separate communities of Ulster.

Much of the fear about Ulster Catholics can be traced back to the terrible years of the civil war. Some sense of this feeling is captured in another extract from Under Goliath, Alan has joined his brother Billy in them pub, and listens to an argument between Billy and their Uncle Jack.

“I'm no bigot.” jack was angry. “I didn't say you were,” Billy answered. “I'll shake the hand of any man.” “All right.” “I will,” jack said, as if someone had denied it. Billy nodded. “You’re in the Orange Order though, aren't you” “ok am that. I am that,” jack said. “I'm a Loyalist. This country is part of Britain and I want it to stay that way. I don't want to become part of the Republic of Ireland, and that's a fact. I'm for the Queen and the Protestant cause and I'm for the Border. I want it to stay there. What's wrong with that?" Billy didn't answer that. Instead he leaned forward “You're in the Bs too, aren't you?” “That I am,” Jack said. “I know my duty.” “O.K.” Bill seemed to agree with him. He leaned forward. “You've got two votes, haven't You?” “Hey, hey,” Jack pushed his cup away. “What are You getting at?” Billy spoke without any expression in his voice at all. “You've got two votes. One for your house and one for your shop.” “This is the only place in Britain where a man can have two votes. That's all.” Jack looked a bit puzzled. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again.... He put his big oilskin on and went to the door. He opened it and turned and his face was dark and frightening. “Let met tell you something, Billy,” he said. “You're a clever lad, right enough, but I've seen the time when a man could open the door on a street like this and get shot down like a dog. You don't remember those times but I do. I saw the I.R.A. come over the Border and declare war on this province.... But they're not going to bomb Ulster into the Republic and, by, Jesus if they try we'll give them a hiding like we did the last time.”

(Source. Peter Carter, Under Goliath, Puffin Books, 1977)

Photo taken in the Bogside (Catholic) Area of Londonderry. 1969

Photo taken in the Falls Road area of Belfast. 1969

Both communities in Ulster feel threatened by the past, and for this reason respond to the political situation with deep emotion. The Protestants feel strongly committed to the connection with Britain and wish to remain British citizens. During the Second World War Ulster played an important role on Britain's side, and loyalty to the Crown, and to Britain, remains unchanged. Ulster Protestants feel a sense of patriotism, and support the connection, which makes them a part of the United Kingdom. Catholics are less supportive because they feel second-class citizens. The communities live separate lives, and often learn two entirely different versions of Irish history through their churches, their youth organizations and their schools.