Letter in Sunday Independent 2 October 2005

Sir - Congratulations to Michael McDowell for challenging a narrow definition of what it is to be Irish ( Sunday Independent, September 25). As far as most Protestants are concerned, a narrow Gaelic definition of Irishness leaves them isolated. Four recent reports agreed that things are far from rosy for border Protestants. And the overall position is that Protestants have been marginalised since independence, are outsiders, and many feel they cannot assert their traditions openly without fear of repercussion.

As the minister advocates, we need to start by defining what Irish identity is. Currently, it leaves no room for those who are post-nationalists, from an Anglo-Irish, Ulster-Scots and Orange Order tradition and are admiring of many elements of British culture. While there were many injustices in the past perhaps we should acknowledge that the British people have welcomed the Irish, and their traditions, into the UK over many years.

Robin Bury, Clare Norris, Niall Ginty, Derek Simpson,
The Reform Movement,
Killiney, Co Dublin


Reform Movement 2005