@IrelandsFuture @think__32

With talk of a United Ireland continuing to gain pace and recent debate over whether we should celebrate the anniversary of the creation of Northern Ireland I feel I need to say something. 1/9

I was born and raised in N. I. My family lived here for generations. I was lucky to be born in the early 80’s & most of my life has been lived on the other side of the Good Friday agreement, but my family & I like most still experienced and were affected by the troubles. 2/9

I identify as "Northern Irish". Not Irish or British. I make this distinction because I don't salute any flag or anthem, I don't celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or the 12th. I don't practice any religion. Down south feels just as foreign to me as England. 3/9

I would never entertain voting for the DUP or Sinn Féin. But this place is my home. I don't believe N.I. is equipped to stand alone on it's own 2 feet. But whether we remain in the UK or become part of a United Ireland, I think I'll always feel simply "Northern Irish." 4/9

It's the only identity I was left with as growing up sectarianism blighted the other options for me. Even today I will still hear the odd time disappointing comments that slip out of friends and family. I don't blame them, the place has been saturated in it for so long. 5/9

If we left the UK the only thing I would genuinely miss is the NHS. I think a United Ireland makes sense in many ways, however the Republic have plenty of issue of their own so no course will be perfect. 6/9

One thing I dread if we see a United Ireland, even for all the talk of inclusion - there will be many trolls who will be gloating and saying if you don't like it leave. I'm not going anywhere and this is my land as much as anyone else’s. 7/9

In the event of a United Ireland, future generations in the north hopefully will not feel as orphaned as I am from the wider communities and identity here will be a much simpler affair. 8/9

Anyway until such a day I have a feeling there are others out there like me who feel similarly and I think our existence deserves to be acknowledged more in any ongoing discourse. 9/9