discussion Northern Ireland Census: Catholic majority for the first time in 100 year history

[Both Sides Now]

Religion

Catholic: 42.3% (+1.5)

Protestant: 37.3% (-4.3)

Other: 1.7% (+0.9)

No Religion: 19.0% (+2.1)

 

National Identity

British only: 31.9% (-8.0)
Irish only: 29.1% (+3.8)
Northern Irish only: 19.8% (-1.1)
British & Northern Irish: 8.0% (+1.8)
Irish and Northern Irish: 1.8% (+0.5)
Other: 10.0% (+3.4)

 

There is a collapse in British identity up North and this is largely due to the demographics identity of NI. The older population tends to be Protestant while younger generations are more Catholic. This is from the 2011 Census, it will be really interesting to see what the picture is today:

 

The political parties representing Unionists are doing themselves no favours turning young people off Unionism through their regressive politics also. If you're a young, liberally minded British person in NI, you will likely not be enthused by the Unionist political parties who are ultra-conservative (DUP, UUP). Meanwhile the Irish nationalist parties are all populist and left (Sinn Féin, SDLP). 

 

This census will have big shockwaves in NI politics. Of course, Irish reunification isn't implied by these numbers. Not all Irish/Catholics want a united Ireland. But it is showing a clear trend of demographic change.

[greeneyedsoul]

The unification of Ireland is just around the corner. I can almost touch it.

[Bloodflowers.]

Yes Northern Ireland!! Ditch the English and join the rightful home with the Irish!!

[Starfish]

The earth is healing 

[Wonderland]

*Plurality, not majority. Majority implies over 50%

[Both Sides Now]

17 minutes ago, Wonderland said:

*Plurality, not majority. Majority implies over 50%

I believe that is American English:

 

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/majority

 

See its usage here:

https://amp.france24.com/en/live-news/20220922-catholic-majority-set-to-raise-unification-pressure-in-n-ireland

 

Majority generally means the greatest number in UK/IRE. I’ve heard “Catholic/Protestant majority” consistently in my life. Never once have I heard “Catholic/Protestant plurality”. I’ve seen quite a few news outlets clarify the American “majority” though. 

Edited September 22, 2022 by Both Sides Now

[Folklore89sm]

we’re healing ❤️

[John Slayne]

Ditch the English girls! 

 

 

 

[BelfastPaul]

As someone that lives in Northern Ireland I find it bizarre with some of the headlines I am seeing about this, It’s like they are deliberately trying to anger both communities and this is sure to cause tension. 

[Revolution]

Now reunify.

[ZIVERT]

We will see a united Ireland in our lifetime I believe  

[DUA LIPA]

sounds homophobic to me 

[Both Sides Now]

22 minutes ago, DUA LIPA said:

sounds homophobic to me 

Ironically, the party that hope to represent the Irish Catholics in NI (Sinn Féin) are pro-LGBT and campaigned for gay marriage in NI. They proposed a bill to legalise marriage equality but it was struck down by the Unionist (Protestant) party.
 

The parties that hope to represent many of the Protestant Unionists (DUP, UUP) are fundamentalist Christians who are staunchly homophobic. A past leader of DUP politician is a creationist 
 

Religion on the island of Ireland is complicated. Most Irish would self identify as Catholic but we are one of the most liberal countries in the world. It’s mostly a cultural thing. 

Edit:

Views toward homosexuality in NI 2012.
70% of Catholics say SSM is valid. 
39% of Protestants say SSM is valid. 
 

You have to keep in mind that Catholics tend to be a lot younger in NI. 

 

Edited September 22, 2022 by Both Sides Now

[Eóghan]

Everyone could see this coming. Irish catholics had the highest birth-rate in europe last decade while the UK had one of the lowest in Europe and relies heavily on immigrants to keep it's population growing but that's mostly for England.

[Komet]

This is more about identity then religion, right? Personally I'd like to see a Ireland reunification, I know there are a quite a few obstacles, but I think it could happen

[Sergi91]

Catholics unite 

[Protocol]

God always wins!

[byzantium]

Great, now let’s see Irish unification and an end to the British colonization of the island.  

[LeMésTragique]

The unified Ireland will look gorgeous

[manwhore]

Catholics do it better ask all the icons.

gaga

Madonna

shakira

bad bunny (basically all the hot Latin artists duh)

jlo

lana del rey 

 

 

 
 

 

Idk what’s going on but anyone leaving the ugly royal terrorists and their oppression is good.