If you meet someone from Northern Ireland and ask where they come from be prepared for a range of answers depending on their political, cultural and religious background. They could be Irish, British, Northern Irish, from Ulster or even the Occupied Six Counties. It’s a bit of a minefield and kind of epitomises why there is so much division and disagreement on this little green patch of the earth we all call home. I’m confused and I’ve lived here all my life!
I’ve always plumped for Northern Irish unless I’m abroad when I say I’m Irish to avoid lengthy explanations as to the difference between one and the other. I’ve also always carried a British passport for no other reason than if I got into difficulties abroad, I reckoned it would be preferable. All this has changed, though, with the recent furore over the United Kingdom (including little old Northern Ireland) leaving the European Union. The dreaded Brexit.
I’d never really considered it before but I quite like the idea of being European. The concept of free travel between member states and ‘all being in this together.’ I voted for the U.K. to remain within the European Union and was quite surprised to realise the national vote went the other way, even though the Northern Irish population voted to remain. Now all this talk of hard borders, food shortages and jingoistic flag-waving have confirmed my initial thinking that remaining was the better option.
I’m no great political mind and ask me about the detail behind Brexit I’ll stare at you blankly and suggest you ask me a question on sport. But I’ve decided that next time my current British passport is up for renewal I’ll be applying for an Irish one. My dual nationality allows me to do this. It’s no great statement on my part, just reassurance that I’ll hold an official document confirming I’m a citizen of a European Union member.
From now on I’m a European.
Black Thoughts 
Great stuff.
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Thank you sir 🙂
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I’ve tried reading about Brexit but I still don’t get it. I understand about living in a tumultuous country (hello Capitol Riots). I don’t care what nationality you determine yourself to be as long as you just keep writing 🙂
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Thank you. We are united in our ignorance 😂
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I voted to remain too. What a crock of shit we are in now.
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Indeed 😂
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Well said
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Thank you 😊
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I am also confused over Northern Ireland and just plain Ireland. Sounds too confusing for one little country.
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It is. I’m confused and I’ve lived here all my life 😂
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I have a European passport, and was so upset when I couldn’t continue with my British one.
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Why was that?
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When the last one came back from Washington, that’s what the British Embassy sent me.
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Oh cool!!
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Thank you 😊
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If someone asked my nationality – I used to say “oh I am an earthling” because I feel uncomfortable with being boxed into belonging to one nation and perhaps being tainted by association with what that represents to people. Now I feel more “I’m a member of a universal family”.
I have to admit – I am so sad that borders and passports exist in some ways.
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That’s a great answer. I may use it in future 🙂
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As an outside observer Stephen, I believe you voted the right way and being able to have the Irish passport is a good thing too.
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Thank you Sean 🙂
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I am a European even though there isn’t a political union.
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Good for you, David 🙂
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I’m not interested in the politics of it its about people and culture for me. One large family.
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IIRC, many of the people who voted to leave the EU, did so thinking it would never happen. It begs the question as to why on Earth the utilized their voting privileges that way, doesn’t it?
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Beats me 😳
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Superb!
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Thank you Owen 🙂
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I read about what was going on before you guys left. I’m so sorry this happened.
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Thank you 😊
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