The heavily bandaged MLA
The DUP's Jim Wells is jubilant because Sinn Fein's Claire McGill referred to "Northern Ireland" not the "6 counties" in her speech in the Programme for Government debate today. But nationalists pointed out that one of Mr Wells' DUP colleagues had previously talked about the "6 counties". Mr Wells joked that the Strangford MLA "was being dealt with" and was now "heavily bandaged". At the time of writing, I am not sure which of the DUP Strangford representatives is in plaster, but I am sure we can establish this before too long.
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To help those, like me, who are rather ignorant on this point, can you remind me what is the difference between Ulster and Northern Ireland/The Six Counties ??
I am guessing that as some of 'Ulster' is now part of Eire [though not sure which counties] that the term is not really used.
McGuinness said "Northern Ireland" when he took office. If anybody can find a link to a video clip of the event, you will note he nearly choked to death.
Bedd Gelert "what is the difference between Ulster and Northern Ireland/The Six Counties ?"
Good question! To many there is no difference between Ulster and Northern Ireland and you'll find the terms used interchangeably in many Unionist newspapers. Officially, it should be Northern Ireland. However, Ulster is an ancient area that has changed in size over the centuries. That's why the term is used by many people to represent the modern day Northern Ireland.
For sporting purposes, those teams which organise throughout the island use the 9-county Ulster which was drawn up by English officials in Elizabethan times. However, three of those 'sporting Ulster' counties are now in Eire.
As regards the terms "The Six Counties", this is often used by Sinn Fein/IRA to describe Northern Ireland. They don't like using the name of the country as they feel it gives the state recognition. However, the political wing of the IRA, Sinn Fein, are now in Government in as assembly called 'The Northern Ireland Assembly' and as pointed out above, the Sinn Fein Deputy leader pledged allegiance to the Northern Ireland Government bill which brought the Northern Ireland UK Government back into operation in May of last year. So while they never used Northern Ireland in the past, Sinn Fein/IRA have started to use the proper name of the country - in a limited way for now.
Bedd,
Ulster refers to the province of Ulster, six counties of which are in "Northern Ireland," with the other three (Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan) in the Republic.
As for Northern Ireland vs The Six Counties, that all stems from republicans not wanting to accept partition and recognise the "Northern Ireland" state's existence.
Bedd Gelert "what is the difference between Ulster and Northern Ireland/The Six Counties ?"
Good question! To many there is no difference between Ulster and Northern Ireland and you'll find the terms used interchangeably in many Unionist newspapers. Officially, it should be Northern Ireland. However, Ulster is an ancient area that has changed in size over the centuries. That's why the term is used by many people to represent the modern day Northern Ireland.
For sporting purposes, those teams which organise throughout the island use the 9-county Ulster which was drawn up by English officials in Elizabethan times. However, three of those 'sporting Ulster' counties are now in Eire.
As regards the terms "The Six Counties", this is often used by Sinn Fein/IRA to describe Northern Ireland. In the past they didn't like using the name of the country as they felt it gave the state recognition. However, the political wing of the IRA, Sinn Fein, are now in Government in as assembly called 'The Northern Ireland Assembly' and as pointed out above, the Sinn Fein Deputy leader pledged allegiance to the Northern Ireland Government bill which brought the Northern Ireland UK Government back into operation in May of last year. So while they never used Northern Ireland in the past, Sinn Fein/IRA have started to use the proper name of the country - in a limited way for now.
northern ireland refers to the british occupied six counties of ireland. However a united 32 county ireland is on the way! Some Unionists need to accept this just like mr paisely!!
From this article one can surmise that if your a member of the DUP and you break ranks with the party's official line you get a good beating and will require medical treatment on account of the injuries you receive