Let’s start with a bit of Irish history. Like many parts of the world, Ireland was ruled by the imperialist British well until the early years of the last century. Then, as the rebellions got too much to handle, the Brits granted independence to all 32 counties under their rule, except six, and the Republic of Ireland was formed in 1922.
The six counties situated in the northern part of the island remained under the crown for one reason: religion. The majority of the population here, like in Englahd, was Protestant. Only 6,00,000 Catholics lived here at the time, out of a total population of 1.6 million.
If this is sounding like a Hindu-Muslim potboiler, read on.
In the 100 years that followed, the Catholics have reproduced faster than the Protestants. The 2001 census pegged the number at 48 per cent with a Protestant majority. But in 2021, the Catholics seem to have overtaken their Protestant counterparts in Northern Ireland.
Does this mean the six counties the Irish call Northern Ireland” will now be turned over to the Republic of Ireland?
(Note the nuance: Irish citizens feel North Ireland” sounds like a country, so they insist it be called Northern Ireland’ instead.)
These political power games may be a lot to stew over. But for us Indians, with a similar imperialist past and religious strife, the stories are relatable and robust.
The good news is this: The entire island of Ireland, consisting of both parts, is devoid of border controls and other divisive tactics. Citizens are allowed to work and live wherever they feel comfortable, and there is no restriction of movement from north to south. The parts ruled by the UK use the British pound as legal tender, and the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. When I drove from Belfast to Dublin, I only realised I was in the Republic of Ireland when my phone service provider texted me a welcome.
Bu hikaye Brunch dergisinin January 07, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Brunch dergisinin January 07, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Fit Check? Look Behind You
In gyms, someone is always filming. We are all in the frame without meaning to be. Is privacy at odds with fitness goals? Is consent even possible with all those mirrors?
Avantika Dassani
Actor, @AvantikaDassani
Keep your i on this BMW
The brand's beloved sedan has now gone electric. The i5 M60 has a sci-fi roar and razor-sharp graphics. It's worth the hype
Why adapt when you can evolve?
Sometimes, the movie or show does it better than the book it is based on. Here's when to stream not flip
Sharp edges, blunt words
British chef Heston Blumenthal has gone public about his struggle with ADHD and bipolar syndrome. He hopes it calms kitchens down. It's hot in there already
The suitable boy
He's played lovers, taxi drivers, street rats and rich brats. He's redefining what it means to be the token Brown boy on set. But would he be on a reality show? Ishaan Khatter tells us why he's a career chameleon and how he got here
Stay stylish in your cubicle
Everyone's back at the office. Covid flexibilities are long forgotten. But being comfortable is still key. So, what are we wearing to work?
Hey, I found you online
Baby pics, emo selfies, old tweets outing the ex. If it makes you cringe, it makes HR departments do too. Here's how to clean up your digital footprint
Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present
This week, we're...
Preferring the spinoff.