TrueBlueTerrier wrote:pinstripe wrote:Disgruntled, Andy, I agree with both of you, although in my opinion the Troubles in Ireland have gone on far longer than 30 years and will outlast all of us. Who knows in 2 or 3 generations there may be peace there, not only on the surface, but the process has to start now. There is prejudice on the mainland, but, again in my opinion it is not as widespread. (This may be due to PC, or it may be that I don't see it)
I'm not a rep but I would expect any rep in our union to fight for the rights of any member regardless of religion, colour, ethnic background, whatever. To discriminate against any group would violate the very principles of a Trade Union Movement.
Having said my piece, I am thankful that I don't have to live and work in an area where discrimination and bigotry in any form is the norm. To those that do, remember we are all equal and deserve to be treated with respect. There are many who rise above the local prejudice to make their communities a better place.
The troubles have lasted more than 300 years never mind 30 years. It all started back in 1609. Quoting Wikipedia
The origins of conflict between Catholics and Protestants in the north of Ireland lie in the British settler-colonial Plantation of Ulster in 1609, which confiscated native owned land and settled Ulster with (mainly Protestant) English and Scottish "planters". Conflict between the native Catholics and the "planters" led to two bloody ethno-religious conflicts between them in 1641–1653 and 1689–1691.
There are actually parts of Scotland, Merseyside and Irish Parts of London where the "Troubles" has had an effect with where Protestant and Catholic Irish have settled, but as you say unless you live in Northern Ireland or have spent some time there, its difficult to see the nuances of the same conflict on the mainland. Saying that when I was out there most of the time I was treated equally well by both sides and consequently I have respect for both of their traditions, but would condemn any sectarianism no matter which side it came from.
Sorry comrades but the British - Irish conflict has raged on/off for some 800 years.
There were many Intermittent uprising against British attempts to rule over Ireland.
Many who were sent to colonise Ireland actually became assimilated into the native Irish culture, adopting many of their cultures and even taking on their language eventually fighting alongside the to overcome injustices perpetrated against them.
This was the story of those early centuries until the plantation of Ulster which was deemed the most Rebellious of Irelands 4 Provinces.
The very concept of the plantation was undertaken with the purpose of Religious division at its very core so as to ensure that those implanted could not nor would not wish to be assimilated with the native Irish as happened in the proceeding centuries.
Unfortunately with the native Irish being Catholics and the planters being Protestant it would be extremely difficult to find common cause. Thus the seeds of divisions were fostered but it must be remembered that this was exactly as had been planned.
Divide and conquer would be the order of the day.
In spite of this there have been a few notable exceptions when Catholic and Protestant stood together the 1798 Rebellion against Britain and religious persecution of Protestant and Catholic alike.
The workers Strike of 1930’s Belfast.
Both were brutally suppressed by the Ruling Classes.
All Empires by need were built on extreme violence and brutality.
Ireland / Northern Ireland has been left a legacy whereby a majority of Protestants view themselves as being British while their Catholic neighbours view themselves as Irish. This has undoubtedly contributed to Religious conflict but the conflict is in main part a conflict of 2 differing National Traditions one Irish the other British!
What the Good Friday Agreement achieved was the acceptance that these competing traditions would resolve their differences peacefully without recourse to further violence.
Now whilst i realise that this history lesson may have been a wee bit long-winded for many of our English colleagues
what i would say is scottyb may be stating that during the course of our latest 30 year conflict there were many who practiced religious intolerance, discrimination and also wielded these instruments in violent form.
I believe he is asking if they then have a place as a representative of our union. Does such participation conflict with the union rule 2 printed below?
Rule 02 - Objectives
Rule 2 Objectives
1. The objectives of the Union shall be:
4. To actively oppose all forms of discrimination based on race, creed, religion, age, political affiliation, disability, marital status, sex or sexual or gender orientation in industry, the Union and society in general. To this end the CWU shall actively oppose any organisation, political or otherwise, whose aims are racist or fascist;