Why do the british army still occupy some of ireland despite relinquishing power in other british colonies?

Question

give one valid reason.

i'll decide if it's valid.

Answer 1

This ‘question’ starts from a false premise, since Northern Ireland  by the choice of the majority of people living there, is part of the UK, the British Army no more occupies the 6 counties of the north any more than it occupies Wiltshire or the Irish Army occupies Cork.

In 1973 a referendum was held in which the majority of the people (57% of everyone, 99% of those who voted) voted to stay part of the UK. In the last election for the Northern Ireland Assembly 54% voted for Unionist parties (those wanting to stay part of the UK) 42% voted for parties wanting to join the other 26 counties of Ireland as part of the Republic.

You may not like it, I may not like it… but it’s called democracy and democracy sometimes means not getting what you think should happen or want.

Frankly I don’t care whether you think this is a valid reason or not. I write this as a contribution to those who seek knowledge not a platform for bile.

The use of troops anywhere shows a failure of people to resolve their differences reasonably. Shame on all those (from whatever ‘side’) who failed to do this, inflammatory and non-constructive statements like this are indicative of that kind of failure, shame on you too.

Answer 2

because as medalling brits we have to stick our noses in where they arent wanted to make us sensible brits hate our government more as they squander the taxes we give them

Not an arguement for staying in Ireland I'll grant you but probably true as 20 odd percent of my wages flys away every month before I see it

Answer 3

You say give one valid reason, but you'll decide if it is valid. Then technically no sumbitted idea is valid unless you validate it, this no one can submit a valiud idea. Just thought I'd let you know about an err in your logic.

Anyways, it's probably one of those slow withdrawl things. For example, n**i Germany is no longer about, but hte United States maintains a military presence in Germany to this day, and probably will for many more decade. Things are slow to change.

Answer 4

Because it's part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - not a colony.

No other reason needed.

Answer 5

Britain still retains Sovereignty over Northern Ireland because of defensive strategic reasons?

Answer 6

Probably just in case - to keep the peace. They're still in Germany too.  

Answer 7

The people of northan Island are British not Irish they are the immigrants from Britain when William of Orange defeated the Irish 200 years ago. Being of British descent they want to stay as part of Britain . As that part of Ireland is British it is just a normal  British posting  as if it was on the mainland. You have a similar case in Gibraltar there are British troops there as well,  

Answer 8

Because of this

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ecW5kqbq6g...

Answer 9

with a stupid question like that, I don't think you're qualified to validate anything.

Answer 10

Northern Ireland is not a colony, it's part of the UK. The army is there to stop fanatics, neither supported by the Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland Governments, from causing chaos and a break down of democracy.

Answer 11

They don't:  Ireland has its own army.