The Rise of Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland

Just over 100 years ago the island of Ireland was partitioned. It created an independent catholic free state in the South and a majority protestant one in the northeast called Northern Ireland that remained a part of the United Kingdom.

For many catholics and nationalists the goal of a united Ireland remains. For most protestants and unionists the division has been key to preserving their British identity.

But the demographics are changing in Northern Ireland. The most recent census show catholics outnumbering protestants for the first time, though still short of being the overall majority.

There’s also been a rise in support for Sinn Fein, the political party that supports a united Ireland.

Any question about whether Northern Ireland remains part of the UK or becomes part of a united Ireland would have to be put to the people in a referendum, or border poll.

In this episode of The Inquiry we ask, will there be a united Ireland?

Presented by Gary O’Donoghue.

(map / Getty images)