Our Beliefs: Promoting the Union
We believe that Unionism must move out of its comfort-zone and realise that long-term there is nothing to be gained from preaching an out-dated message to a choir whose size is steadily diminishing. The Union in the future will not be strengthened by melodramatic speeches and hyperbolic scare mongering.
There must be a realistic acceptance that for most of the world, the Northern Irish question is no longer top of, or, even halfway down, the political agenda. It must concentrate on those people and areas which can help and influence the continuance of the Union.
In 2006, Unionism must become more aware of the advantages of building its contacts and relationships with suitable partners and areas within Britain, the Republic of Ireland and the wider Irish/Ulster Diaspora.
We should not underestimate the potential support for Unionism within different sectors of British political, media and wider society. We have to examine and be honest why this potential has not been realised before. Whilst we believe those of a conservative persuasion will see more readily the advantages of continuing the Union, there are also people of a liberal frame of mind, who given the correct circumstances, may also give us their support. For this reason (and for its overall benefit), we believe that Unionism must rediscover its own radical roots, which have become overgrown and hidden with the weeds of sectarianism and bigotry scattered by various of its leading figures over the years. Like many on the left and liberal wing of British politics in recent times, we must not be afraid to explore deeply and analyse our political beliefs and cast aside those which have hindered our political development and advancement.
We are convinced that existing within the Republic of Ireland there are people who wish to learn more about our political philosophy and may even be sympathetic towards our long-term aims. For too long our message has gone by default in this arena and whilst again, this may involve Unionist moving into uncharted territory, it is important that we take every opportunity afforded to explain and publicise our political beliefs. As more within the Republic of Ireland appreciate our reasons for remaining within the United Kingdom, we are convinced the more difficult it will become for our political opponents to spread half-truths and paint black propaganda about Unionism as a political theory and individual Unionists as people.
We feel amongst the Ulster Diaspora many still retain the same strong attachment to Northern Ireland that they possessed when they left their country. These people are potentially an invaluable source of publicity for our cause within the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. Unionism should be building upon these networks. Those of a second generation, at present, struggle to learn more of their ancestral homeland, its culture and heritage. In order to take advantage of these links, Unionism will have to change its traditional parochial mindset and overcome its previous paranoia about internationalising our political beliefs.