The conflict in Ulster is often portrayed as a sectarian struggle, one of Catholics against Protestants.  It isn’t.  It is about nationality, states and borders.

What makes you think that?

Well, you only have to look at the stated aims of the main participants.  The IRA wants the border between the UK and Irish Republic to be in the North Channel.  Unionists want it (for the most part) to remain where it is.

For the most part?

I doubt if most Unionists would be all that sad to see the back of South Armagh (for instance).

But aren’t most nationalists Catholics and most Unionists Protestants?

Yes, but so what?  All nationalists are nationalists.  All Unionists are Unionists.

But what about the Reverend Ian Paisley?

Well, what about him?  Or the late Reverend Robert Bradford, for that matter?  It is true that Unionists have a record of voting for religious leaders.  Why this is I am not quite sure but they are still a minority amongst Unionist politicians.  And to the best of my knowledge none were elected prior to the beginning of the Troubles.  Whatever the case it still doesn’t alter the stated aims of the participants.

Nothing yet but you never know...