The test of a peaceful and inclusive society is one where equality andhuman rights are realised and that no-one feels left behind. From theLoyalist Women’s Engagement Survey to semi-structured interviews, theevidence presented indicate that loyalist women feel farthest behind; from nolonger feeling they are able to express their culture and identity freely, feelingpolitical parties no longer represent their views and…
By Emma Shaw Now that the dust has started to settle after the recent elections and we’ve ended up with thesame dysfunctional DUP/SF partnership, we need to address the elephant in the room – lowvoter turnout. Turnout varied depending on constituency, with the largest turnouts in Mid Ulster (69.54%),Fermanagh and South Tyrone (69.09%) followed by Newry and Armagh (68.49%). Theseconstituencies…
By Caroline This election was not about the protocol or a border poll and the results of the election don’t change that reality. There is nothing to be gained by attempting to hold the devolved institutions to ransom. Such a move will not generate any goodwill for unionism at Westminster or encourage the EU to compromise. As Loyalists we must…
by Caroline At the DUP manifesto launch the message was clear, vote for the DUP as the only way to prevent a Sinn Féin first minister and a border poll. Jim Allister has said he will not be ‘bridesmaid’ for Sinn Féin and that Direct Rule would be better in that circumstance. I’ve been hearing variations of this all my…
By Caroline “It was often a ‘dirty, stinking, little war’ in Northern Ireland” David Ervine quoted by Billy Hutchinson The hoax attack of the 25th of March has left many of us shaken. Our thoughts are with the van driver, the mourners at the disrupted funeral, those attending the Hume Foundation event and everyone who has been forced to revisit…
“I firmly believe women and girls must have access to safe, high-quality abortion care in Northern Ireland. It is unacceptable that access to basic abortion healthcare is not available as it is across the rest of the UK.” Brandon Lewis. We welcome the announcement (24.03.2022) that the Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis is preparing to work on further regulations to…
by Emma Shaw Since the passing of the Integrated Education Bill last week there has been an outpouring on social media platforms with varying opinions. The purpose of this short piece is to outline a few of the most prominent arguments that are circulating at the moment and share helpful information so that people can make their own informed decisions.…
A humanitarian emergency is occurring in Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion. Below is a list of practical ways to help the people of Ukraine and support anti-Putin resistance in Russia. Donate to Support Humanitarian Efforts Voices of Children are a non-profit based in Ukraine. They provide psychological and psychosocial support to children. It helps them overcome the…
“These people are not to be trusted, their interest does not lie in Northern Ireland, their interest is self-interest.” David Ervine The protocol (in its current form at least) is incompatible with the principles of loyalism. It is a threat to our material wellbeing and our equal citizenship. However, withdrawing the First Minister and damaging the devolved institutions will not…
The most widely accepted description of loyalism is Billy Mitchell’s The Principles of Loyalism. The Principles are material wellbeing, civil and religious freedom, equal citizenship within the United Kingdom and the use of armed resistance (you can find out more about loyalist feminism here).