Ireland's OWN: History

 

1 March 2004 The 'Parity of Esteem' and the 'National Unity' Agendas —from Liam O Comain When the SDLP and the Provisionals forsook the pursuit of justice that is the unity and self- determination of Ireland for a 'parity of esteem' agenda in the six counties they did not envisage that this approach would entrench divisions and make sectarian ideologies respectable. The recent debate in the city council of Derry (Ireland) about a St. Patrick's Day festival confirms the foregoing by the use of terms such as 'Irishness' from one representative whereas Gregory Campbell by implication referred to the term 'Britishness'. Thus by replacing the 'national unity' agenda by the 'parity of esteem' agenda the Belfast Agreement has reinforced positions which have no basis in truth. And here I have in mind Mr. Campbell's belief that within the context of nationality he is 'British'. Now I acknowledge his right to hold this opinion but is it based in truth? I would argue 'no' for there is no such thing as 'British Nationality'! For the geographical entity that is Ireland is separate from the geographical entity which is Britain. And assuming that Gregory was born in the island of Ireland, he has to be Irish. Of course, he can argue contrary until he is blue in the face but even if Ireland was physically connected to the island of Britain, the inhabitants would still be Irish. They would be Irish for where one is naturally born defines ones nationality. Now I would be a fool not to acknowledge the existence of the island of Britain which is a part of Europe but what we must realize that within that land mass there dwells three nations namely England, Scotland and Wales, and the citizens of Wales for example share in one nationality — Welsh. Just as the nationality of a person born in England and Scotland are English and Scottish, respectively. But where does  the concept of British nationality arise? Well in order to subdue a conquered people and con them into accepting the status quo all imperialist powers concoct what is required in their interests. Thus, in the case under consideration the English establishment created and enforced the myth of a common nationality throughout the island of Britain after conquering Wales and Scotland. In fact, I believe that the name Britain is based upon an area bordering the nations of England and Scotland and is of Celtic origins. However, although I would deny the reality of a British 'nationality,' I do acknowledge the existence of a British culture that is the culture alive and emanating from the peoples of the three nations on the island of Britain. Here it is important to realize that there is a difference between the concept of nationality and the concept of culture. And I, like Gregory Campbell, have been influenced by British culture just as in today's world we both are influenced by American culture. But being influenced by British or American cultures however strong does not make us British or American by nationality. And then there is the terminology 'British subject' which people of Gregory’s mindset use to suggest that our nationality in the wee six is British. Conveniently ignoring the truth that the terms refer to being a subject of British rule rather than nationality. Also ignoring the fact that citizens from various countries far removed from the island of Britain are also designated British subjects. Peoples who have experienced being subjected to the British empire and so called commonwealth. Gregory Campbell, although he would deny it, looks more like an Irishman than Gerry Adams and I have no doubt that if one of his descendants in the future was to be born on the Moon that person would be Moonish — a moonman or a moonwoman. He or she would not be Irish or as our DUP councillor claims, British. Perhaps that is one benefit of the Belfast Agreement's 'parity of esteem' that Mr. Campbell acknowledges and which relates to my opening paragraphs re the agenda's reinforcement of myths and sectarian ideologies. *Reprinted at Ireland's OWN per submission of the author. Page updated 26 Jan 2009 Ireland's OWN Logo by Eamann Website Design and Celtic Background by Míchealín Daugherty Copyright © 2009 Ireland's OWN All Rights Reserved.