ABSTRACT
In northern Ireland, to use the internationally accepted name for the place of which I write, it is generally assumed that journalists take sides. The place name you use spells out your allegiance: “The North of Ireland,” or just “Ireland,” is commonly used by Irish nationalist^ or republicans who want to see the entire island consolidated into the Irish republic. “Ulster” is used by unionists or loyalists who favor the link with Britain. “Northern Ireland” itself is favored by British commentators and politicians, while “The North” is the most commonly used term in the Republic of Ireland. More hard-line republicans call it “Occupied North-East Ireland,” while loyalists reciprocate by referring to the Republic of Ireland (“The South” to northern nationalists) as “Eire,” a name officially dropped in 1949. Which province do you want to live in?
