Macha, it is useful to remember that the same thing was said about those transported to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North America. The difference is that they were Irish.

Historically the folks moved to Ireland as part of the plantation laws were just peons and considered as a resource for the wealthy. That is what makes this all so foolish. This is no more about Catholic/Protestant or Loyalist-Unionist/Republican than the man in the moon. It was the workers of the North starting to realize that they had more in common with other workers than they did with the British landlords/industrialists. In the grand fashion of capitalists, the monied interests couldn't have this. They played the "Orange" card, and used special rights for the Orange and discriminatory laws for the Green as fertilizer to insure a bountiful harvest. Several centuries later we are still seeing the effect of this.

The Loyalist/Unionists should never be expelled. It is a silly idea. They are as Irish as the descendants of the Vikings, Normans, or any other of the groups that make up the fabric of the land. They need to be brought to the realization that their future lies in a united Ireland with opportunity for all.

Mick