Britain and the Two Irelands since 1945

Abstract

That the post-1945 Irish problem has ancient origins at times obscures the relatively recent character of the contemporary situation. Historically, the Irish question revolved around an interaction of the colonial relationship between England and Ireland, and the conflicting interest of Catholic and Protestant within the island. The two Irelands of the past were religious and psychological more than territorial. After 1945 the problem, of course, contained older ingredients but two crucial modern features — post-colonialism in the area of the present-day Republic and the partition of the island — have been at the forefront.

1. — (1) It is hereby recognized and declared that the part of Ireland heretofore known as Eire ceased, as from the eighteenth day of April nineteen hundred and forty-nine to be part of His Majesty’s dominions.

(2) It is hereby declared that Northern Ireland remains part of His Majesty’s dominions and of the United Kingdom and it is hereby affirmed that in no event will Northern Ireland or any part thereof cease to be part of His Majesty’s Dominions and of the United Kingdom without the consent of the Parliament of Northern Ireland.

(Ireland Act, 1949)