Pause for thought
Next month this blog will have been running for 2 years, but it doesn't seem like it. I started it the day the Provisional IRA said it would disarm totally and for good, and in those two years we've seen the payoff: Paisley sharing power with Sinn Féin! If I'd predicted that two years ago you'd have rightly called me bonkers, but two years are a long time in politics.
Regulars know I don't beat any party's drum because none of them offers the kind of British-friendly-but-distinctly-Irish-ness I espouse. I'm no raving Unionist, but I think Great Britain's a fine country and value the British aspect of our heritage. I'm no raving Nationalist, but I'm a big fan of Éire and would feel optimistic enough if NI were to join it in a suitable new all-Ireland state, at the right time and with the right levels of support.
I hope my moderate approach has offered an alternative to some of the bitter blogs because I believe passionately that, in whatever direction the political status of NI is to develop, it has to be inclusive enough to command the support - active or passive - of what I call the "middle 80%", and that's not achievable in an atmosphere of diatribe and alienation.
The devolution milestone means we've entered a new phase, and I'm going to use the summer break to lie down with pina coladas and think through what I can usefully do with this blog. And a few other things as well of course.
So have a good summer, and I'll be back on 3rd September. Go well.
posted by B.U. @ 1:27 p.m.
11 comments
11 Comments:
First time I read your blog, BU, and I'm impressed. It's refreshing to see a normal Unionist who doesn't go all schizo at the idea of an all-Ireland state in the future.
It may happen, it may not. But surely it's not a cause for the hysteria we so often see promoted among Unionist politicians.
Happy Big blog birthday! As a California living in Dublin last year, I truly appreciated the levelheadedness of this blog. Keep it up! ;o)
As a like minded protestant, I congratulate you on having the courage to openly state your opinions.
John
any takers for a United British Isles? ;o)
Didn't work last time, Aileen! Maybe a new united state within the Commonwealth (as recognition of Britain's and Ireland's cultural contributions to each other) but with Michelle Gildernew as head of state ;-)
Anyone familiar with the New Ireland Group. They seem to be composed primarily of Protestants who espouse a united Ireland where all cultures are welcome. Im thinking of joining.
Merry birthday to my favourite blog site! Thank's b.u. My background is the same and my views generally synchronous with yours. Have a great holiday and keep up the good work.
>> I'm no raving Nationalist, but I'm a big fan of Éire and would feel optimistic enough if NI were to join it in a suitable new all-Ireland state, at the right time and with the right levels of support.<<
First I've heard of this! I know you are not your typical Unionist but the above is surprising. It might get you drummed out of the lodge ;)
I enjoy your blog and it's lack of bitterness very much.
Have a good break!
Having been an avid reader for some time, I don't think BU can be accurately described as a British Unionist, more of an Ulsterman open to persuasion;)
Enjoy your break!!
you're simply the best male non-bigoted prod in Ulster.
Have a great summer
parcifal
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