I'd like to ask what is the difference when you talk about Irish Republicans and Irish Nationalists?

In my country Nationalists are those working (and fighting) for the national independence and freedom of my People and Country.

You'll get loads of different views of what the difference is. But they should never be used interchangeably, they are very different. A Nationalist might feel offended to be called a Republican and vice-versa.

Anyway, in my opinion, a Nationalist is a person who wants a United Ireland through strictly non-violent means.

A Republican is somebody who agrees, or has agreed in the past, with using violence to advance the unification of Ireland.

That's it in simple terms as far as I'm concerned. Of course there's always exceptions.

So, Blue Shirts were the Nationalists, the I.R.A. - Repulicans, and they were figtin in 30-s in Spain on the different sides, right? One guy Hugh O'Connor by name told me before...

Sean, I've read that Blue Shirts were Republicans as well, then even wanted to go to war /or to make such a threat/ against Britain during WW2 to press for the liberation of NI.

Republican = an advocate of a republic (usually in opposition to a monarchy)

Nationalist = 1: one who loves and defends his or her country [syn: {patriot}]

Nationalist = 2: an advocate of national independence of or a strong national government


I got these from an online dictionary.


It's not so black and white is it ?

With respect to NI and how it is seen in th UK (Well England)

Republican: Someone against the Queen and British Rule.
willing to use force as
a last resort.

Nationalist:

As seen in the UK (Well England)

Republican>
1. Is against British involvement in the 6 counties.
2. Is a member or an active supporter of a paramilitary organisation. i.e IRA
3. Predominantly of Catholic religion.


Nationalist>
1. Is against British rule in the 6 counties.
2. Catholic.

Unionist>
1. Wants the 6 counties to remain as an integral part of the U.K.
2. Protestant.

Loyalists>
1. Wants the 6 counties to remain as an integral part of the U.K
2. Disagrees with the (Freestate) or Republic of Ireland.
3. Is a member of or an active supporter of a paramilitary organisation. i.e UVF.
4. Protestant.

The religion part is assumed. About 10% of all Catholics in NI are in favour of Unionism. Well that is what the last census came up with.

I always thought of it as

Nationalist - Wants a United Ireland through politics and doesnt agree with ever using violence.

Republican - Wants a United Ireland through violence and doesnt think politics will ever get it.

I dunno what I am, exactly.

I'd prefer to give politics a chance, and it has done more than the bombings did over the past 30 years. I dont think bombing campaign can be used at the present moment either. There may be a time in the future for it though.

Chucky Armagh, I agree that to be a nationalist it means to love and to be proud of your country. And to be a nazist is to hate all of the others...

Well, I agree totally on that one Sean. Therefor; is Bush Jr. a nazi then? :D

Im a Irish Republican all the way

:ph34r: CIRA

Freedom First then Peace

Christophe, defenitly YES!!!

Excuse me, but I disagree with you, lads.
He is more like a simple Texas cowboy with his good and bad traits.

He's also against abortions and legalising homosexual 'marriages' and it is good!

He's brain-dead though.

I wouldnt trust him with a potato gun (waste of potatoes) yet one push of his finger and he can blow up the whole world.

like Hitler