Adaption, Ambiguity, and Aspiration: Irish Nationalism in Northern Ireland in the Post-Brexit Age

This paper explores the dynamic evolution of Irish Nationalism in Northern Ireland as a response to political, demographic, generational, and conversational shifts within a changing Ireland. The discussion identifies four interlinked strands of change. The first examines how demographic milestones, such as the 2021 Census results, and political successes, like Sinn Féin’s rise, legitimize discussions of Irish reunification. The second considers generational change, highlighting younger cohorts' pragmatic support for reunification. The third questions factors which have served to catalyse discourse on reunification, including issues that have arisen due to the Brexit referendum. Finally, the fourth strand critiques these developments, arguing for a nuanced understanding of societal change and the limitations of traditional metrics, such as census data and polling. Together, these strands underscore the complexity of Irish Nationalism, emphasizing the need for deeper inquiry into the gap between political aspirations and public sentiment.