Two nations theory (Ireland)

For other uses, see Two Nations theory (disambiguation).

In Ireland, the two nations theory holds that Ulster Protestants form a distinct Irish nation.[1] Advocated mainly by Unionists and loyalists (but also notably supported by one Communist party), who used it as a basis for opposing Home Rule and, later, to justify the partition of Ireland, it has been strongly criticised by Irish nationalists such as John Redmond (who stated that "'the two nation theory' is to us an abomination and a blasphemy"),[2] Éamon de Valera,[3] Seán Lemass[4] and Douglas Gageby.[5]

  1. ^ Where is the Irish Border? Theories of Division in Ireland, by Sean Swan, Nordic Ireland Studies, 2005, pp. 61–87.
  2. ^ Lee, J. J. (1989). Ireland, 1912–1985: Politics and Society. Cambridge University Press. p. 15.
  3. ^ Kissane, Bill (2005). The Politics of the Irish Civil War. Oxford University Press. p. 50.
  4. ^ ""Two-Nation Theory" Absurd Idea", Irish Times, 11 November 1960, pp. 1, 5 (report of a debate on Partition in Dáil Éireann).
  5. ^ See Gageby's essay in Conor Cruise O'Brien Introduces Ireland by Owen Dudley Edwards and Conor Cruise O'Brien, Deutsch, 1969