Manifestations of the Border

A Personal View

Abstract

Since the partition of Ireland into two separate political entities in 1921, the border separating six ulster counties from the rest of the country has been a major source of controversy. The existence of the border and the continued British rule of the north have given rise to political turmoil and civil unrest. To many residents of the six northern counties, the border must be preserved so that they can maintain their cherished position as citizens of the United Kingdom. To many others it is an artificial boundary dividing an island which ought to be a united entity. The differences extend to disagreement over the terminology used to define the two parts of the country. Some people prefer not to use the titles Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, on the basis that such use legitimates the continuance of British rule in the North.