The DUP are absolute wankers.

[EmeraldShamrock]

I am not in the UK. I do sympathise with the Brexit disaster unfolding, I know people in the UK have much bigger concerns for their economy, than the NI border and GFA.

I am horrified the DUP were invited in. They are nasty poison bastards and I fear they will not agree to anything because it makes things different in NI. They do not care about cross border business, or fighting, as long as there the same as the UK. It is all a nightmare.
I watched a few clips on YouTube of Pop goes Northern Ireland of different stages during the troubles. It is very good, for anyone unaware of the fighting in NI.
Not an aibu. Just a rant.

[rightreckoner]

I’ll join your rant (Brit here).

But I wonder if the DUP have overplayed their hand ? They have no sympathy here - they just look like a bunch of sectarian bigots. I think the only reason people on the mainland care about N Ireland is they don’t want a return to the troubles - not because they particularly care about the Union. I don’t know if that’s the case but that’s my feeling.

[caperplips]

On the mainland???

[EmeraldShamrock]

People on the Republic and NI have been really ok with the power sharing. The peace is the main priority. I think people in the Republic have some guilt of how NI went through all the violence and rule. The Tatty head.
The DUP will oppose any solution for the sake of it. How the cards fell and they got their big feet in with their large price tag. It is unbelievable.

[araiwa]

Another esteemed decision by theresa may

Of course they are. Always were, always will be

[MiggledyHiggins]

I think people in the Republic have some guilt of how NI went through all the violence and rule.
Why do you think that?

[AhhhhThatsBass]

I'd like NI to be an independent state, It costs the UK an absolute fortune. Imagine many people in GB (well England and Wales anyway) would probably agree. If they gave it any thought. Not convinced many people in the republic would vote for a united Ireland either. Set them free. Let them fend for themselves. I'd love to see the outcome of that referendum.

That said, if I'm being objective, you can't blame the DUP in some ways. They want to ensure NI gets treated as an equal member of the UK, not a distant outpost.
That doesn't mean that they (the DUP) are not sectarian bigots.

[WoahBaby]

They're nasty and vindictive. Absolutely hate them and you just know any outcome at all with the negotiations will be turned down flat by them. It's a total mess.

[bellinisurge]

British/Irish here. The DUP are now and have always been fucking creationist loons with violence near their surface.
NI voted Remain.
The only reason I don't want them to get totally screwed is the knock on effect for normal people in NI.
PS, for balance I fucking hate Sinn Fein too.

[EmeraldShamrock]

MiggledyHiggins I do feel some guilt, that may seem silly and I know lots of people who go to remembrance of certain people.
There was lots of missed opportunitys for generations. I worked in a company in Dublin, There main base in the North. The ratio of protestant to catholic employment was rife. They would bin cvs from catholic areas all jokey jokey and that was only a decade ago.
The few Catholic that were employed had to brace themselves for all the tagh jokes. I could bear people going back to that.

[bellinisurge]

". I think people in the Republic have some guilt of how NI went through all the violence and rule. "
Don't know much about NI, do you?

[EmeraldShamrock]

*couldn't

[Gooseysgirl]

YANBU... they are a totally unhinged bunch of tossers

[MeredithGrey1]

I’m not a fan of the DUP at all generally but can’t really blame them for not wanting NI to be treated differently to the rest of the country. That may mean more problems for brexit but they are representing their constituents who presumably (if they voted DUP) are likely to agree that NI shouldn’t be treated differently. Also they’ve always been completely clear about their views on this, it’s not like this has just come out of nowhere after months of them saying the opposite. I totally agree that it causes problems and I’m not saying I agree with their stance (on anything at all) but on this issue I don’t see how they could do anything else without doing a complete 180 on everything they’ve ever said about NI/rest of UK relationship.

[EmeraldShamrock]

Yes I do know things about NI. I have lived and worked there. I was spent many summers on the border counties to NI.
All the older generation who get the guitars out listen the ballads talking folklore, many mad a story of the troubles too.

[bellinisurge]

If the DUP wanted to be treated like the rest of the UK they should allow the right to choose - this is not a devolved medical issue this is a uk wide human rights issue.

[sashh]

They want to ensure NI gets treated as an equal member of the UK, not a distant outpost.

But they don't.

They don't want same sex marriage or abortion. They want the 1950s (or possibly a century earlier.)

[peachgreen]

The DUP only want NI to be treated the same way as the rest of the U.K. when it suits them. They continue to oppose and block gay marriage and abortion. They are a bunch of dinosaur bigots and most people in NI can't stand them - even some of the people who vote for them, to be honest. They're also completely deluded in thinking that anyone in the rest of the U.K. gives a toss about NI. It's thoroughly depressing to see them playing the big I Am in Westminster when the Government would get rid of us in a shot if it could.

I love NI and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else but unless things change I can see it becoming an untenable place to live. Which is very frightening.

[Namelessinseattle]

I think it’s insane listening to a lot of people’s views on NI. I can appreciate how you’d be frustrated if your country was suggesting isolating you further by putting a border between you and the rest of the country. Also the notion that NI costs the UK a fortune. It’s a part of the uk. Like the NHS costs the UK a fortune. Unemployed people cost the UK a fortune. There’s lots that costs a fortune you can’t just tell them to shag off cos they’re too expensive baring in mind they’ve probably the worst infrastructure of the 4 nations in the uk. (Is nations the right word?)

[UnknownStuntman]

Yep. Next time Foster starts talking about how the Six Counties shouldn't be treated differently to GB, May should just turn around and say "that'll be you agreeing to abortion then, Arlene?"

[UnknownStuntman]

Nameless, no it's not the right word. England and Scotland are countries, Wales is a principality and Norn is, well two thirds of a province.

[Poodles1980]

My parents are from Belfast but we live in the the republic. It’s the first time my dad has ever dared to think there might be a United Ireland in his life time. The DUP are pushing their own away with their lunatic policies

[HowDoYouFeelNow]

The DUP want to have their cake and eat it. They only want NI to be treated like the rest of the UK when it suits them, and as May has bunged them so much money, they can insist on it.

[MiggledyHiggins]

MiggledyHiggins I do feel some guilt, that may seem silly and I know lots of people who go to remembrance of certain people.
There was lots of missed opportunitys for generations. I worked in a company in Dublin, There main base in the North. The ratio of protestant to catholic employment was rife. They would bin cvs from catholic areas all jokey jokey and that was only a decade ago.
The few Catholic that were employed had to brace themselves for all the tagh jokes. I could bear people going back to that.

I'm confused.
So you worked in a Dublin branch of a sectarian company who discriminated against Catholics and who bullied the Catholics who they employed? Really shitty employers but not the norm. At all.

Did you mean that people in NI feel guilt rather than people in the Republic?

[Maursh]

I am the first to admit I know nothing about NI history and current political landscape, but the DUP was voted in with 10/18 seats. I am not understanding the commentary. Obviously 55% NI do agree with their policies