Quote:
Originally Posted by desertgrandma
Errk. You had to bring the other countries in, didn't you? 
I'm just trying to understand right now the division of Ireland, and the flags flown.
I think I got it. "Ireland" is independent, and rules itself, under the Irish Flag.
"Northern Ireland" is ruled in part (with limited self government) by GB, and flies the Union Jack, altho they also have another flag, the "Northern Ireland" flag.
Would it be accurate to say Ireland is Catholic and Northern Island is Protestant? (of course, this can't possible include everyone, just the majority?)
And what exactly does "limited self government" mean? What can or cannot Northern Ireland do without GB's permission? |
By jove I think she's got it ... just about. If you think this is complicated, spare a thought for the diplomats who handle the etiquette and protocols at the UN.
However, Northern Ireland isn't ruled by GB, because GB just refers to a collection of states (ie England, Scotland and Wales) just as the part of the US without Alaska and Hawaii is just a collection of states. Northern Ireland is partly governed by the UK's Parliament, which happens to be located in England. A bit like the US is governed by Washington DC.
I should also point out that the Republic of Ireland is also know as Éire and like the UK, is also a member of the EU.
Yes, the majority of those who are religious in the Republic of Ireland are probably Catholic.
The majority of those who are religious in Northern Ireland are most probably Protestant, though there is a significant proportion who are Catholic.
As regards the meaning of "limited self government", perhaps it would be best if I posted this quotation:
" Northern Ireland has devolved government within the United Kingdom. There is a Northern Ireland Executive together with the 108 member Northern Ireland Assembly to deal with devolved matters with the UK Government and UK Parliament responsible for reserved matters. Elections to the Assembly are by single transferable vote with 6 representatives elected for each of the 18 Westminster constituencies. Northern Ireland is a distinct legal jurisdiction, separate from England, Wales and Scotland. It is also an electoral region of the European Union."
" Parliament Buildings in Stormont, Belfast, seat of the assembly Northern Ireland elects 18 Members of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons; not all take their seats, however, as the Sinn Féin MPs (currently five) refuse to take the oath to serve the Queen that is required of all MPs. The Northern Ireland Office represents the UK government in Northern Ireland on reserved matters and represents Northern Irish interests within the UK government. The Northern Ireland office is led by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who sits in the Cabinet of the United Kingdom."
Wikipedia: Northern Ireland: Government and politics
So it isn't the case that there are things that Northern Ireland can, or cannot, do without GB's permission, because GB doesn't control anything. GB effectively ceased to exist as a political entity (ie state, with power) when the UK was formed in 1921. It's the UK that has control, through the Parliament, in which Northern Ireland is represented.
You could think of it this way: The 3 states of GB joined with Northern Ireland and formed the 4-state UK. Alaska and Hawaii joined the the 48 state US and formed the 50 state US.