A referendum on the Border seems imminent, from my perspective, and is worth discussing as it has the potential to change the constitutional destiny of everyone residing on this island with a single vote margin above 50 percent.
Naturally, this straightforward majority complies with the principles of democracy and the Belfast Agreement. However, it may not necessarily bring about the stable, harmonious future that is desired by those genuinely interested in creating it.
Hence, the responsibility lies on those who firmly believe they know where the people of Ireland’s best future lies to persuade as many sceptics as they can before the Border poll. Although this much is clear, it should also be distinctly understood that for this to happen, all engaged parties must thoroughly address the past.
We cannot merely dismiss our history as if it were just a bad day at the office. In Ireland, the passage of time does not necessarily bring about healing as it might in many other regions. Instead, it might cultivate unresolved issues if not adequately addressed. Now is the moment for our Republic’s Government to truly acknowledge its history on behalf of the nation.
To move towards a united future for Ireland, we must neither hide nor forget our past.
The division of Ireland left two religious minorities, one on either side of the border, to their individual destinies, both of which were marred by mistreatment. The Catholic minority in Northern Ireland has faced systemic discrimination by unionism, which has been rightfully exposed and officially acknowledged.
The southern Protestant minority’s story has not been given the attention it deserves. Their experiences have often been overlooked or dismissed as typical historic occurrences when acknowledged. One of the most notable incidents of this bias is the Dunmanway Massacre in Cork during the Civil War, where 21 Protestants lost their lives. Besides, throughout 1935, numerous attacks targeted Protestants, assaulting their establishments, residences and religious centres across the country.
The infamous slogan “Remember 21” was etched in tar on Dunmanway’s streets, reminding the local Protestants of the massacre, in a shocking display of insensitivity. There were also cases of intimidation, such as the threatening letters targeting Protestant staff in banks.
A 600-person mob wreaked havoc in Limerick during the same era, vandalising Protestant establishments, homes and places of worship. Troublingly, it was suggested to the local police chief by the Catholic clergy and the town’s Lord Mayor that these incidents should no longer be pursued or prosecuted.
In Galway, dock employees rallied for a Catholic strike until all Protestant factory workers were sacked. Although many of these acts were blatantly illegal, they reflected the theological environment of the southern state at that time.
In daily life, how one is treated by their community matters profoundly. Many legal tactics can be used to isolate and alienate a group of people, like boycotting businesses, ignoring people in public, making deriding comments, or instilling in children a belief that ‘the others’ are religious deviants.
However, contemporary Republic of Ireland has come a long way from those days. It has transformed into a self-assured, advanced, forward-thinking, liberal democracy.
During that era, it’s important to note that not all Southern residents shared prejudicial beliefs, with Noel Browne serving as a notable example. However, a limited number of bigots can instil widespread fear, as any individual who has been targeted on the basis of their skin colour or faith within both Northern and Southern regions can confirm. Regrettably, during the period in question, such bigots were not in short supply.
The contemporary Republic of Ireland bares little resemblance to its historical self. Presently, it stands as an assertive, cutting-edge, forward-thinking, and liberal democracy. This positions it perfectly to acknowledge and understand the daily experiences of Irish Protestants of the past. Not only would this provide some comfort to descendants, many of whom live abroad due to their Irish ancestors fleeing the country out of fear or as a result of direct violence, it would also further the cause of reconciliation throughout our nation. Ultimately, this reconciliation is the cornerstone of a transformed Ireland, regardless of what form that may take.
-David Adams is an analyst, an ex-loyalist paramilitary, and later a humanitarian worker with Goal.