Today, across Northern Ireland, thousands of Orange Men will be parading for the 12th of July commemorations. But what is the future of the loyal orders? Like most institutions, their numbers have been declining. From a high point of 90,000 in the 1960s to 34,000 in 2012, I suspect the figure for active members today is more like 20,000. What is the place of the Orange Order … [Read more...] about What’s the Orange Order’s future?
Ireland
Could we soon see a united Ireland?
If the British state is under the impression that the SNP’s crisis has stalled the movement to break up the UK, then it’s not paying attention to what’s happening across the Irish Sea. When Sinn Féin wins the next general election in the Republic – which polls say it almost certainly will – it will have two items on its to-do list.Tame Irish capitalism. 2) Unite Ireland.The … [Read more...] about Could we soon see a united Ireland?
Taking the border out of politics
In 1973, the UK government organised the country’s first referendum, on the subject of whether or not Northern Ireland should remain part of the UK. Now, as Brexit and its potential consequences make another border poll look like an increasing possibility, David Torrance looks back on the poll, its background, and its later constitutional significance. The first constitutional … [Read more...] about Taking the border out of politics
A very Scottish foreign policy
If Scotland were to go independent in the next few years what kind of foreign policy might it pursue and how might it best establish a new diplomatic service? Given the rapidity of change in global affairs (the rise of China, a more assertive Russia, the impact of Trump, the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change,migration...), flexibility should be a key principle. Larger countries … [Read more...] about A very Scottish foreign policy
Changing attitudes to #indyref2
Policies matter in politics and parties need to get them right. But equally important are issues beyond their control, whether occurring by accident or design. Scotland’s no different and on independence there have certainly been significant events which might make all the difference. For this Tory administration's actions are unprecedented in modern times. Many who had doubts … [Read more...] about Changing attitudes to #indyref2