In Nelson’s skewed world it’s fine for an ‘Ulster-Scot’ to rebel against the British Crown but not an Irishman

WHEN I read Nelson McCausland’s article ‘Ulster-Scots are being written out of historical record ... it’s time to reclaim them for posterity’ (Comment, December 21), I saw a classic case of cognitive dissonance.

Mr McCausland cites John Armstrong of the American Revolution as a hero who should be celebrated by unionists/Protestants.

I am proud of Mr Armstrong, who helped ensure the separation of Church and State and freedom of religion. However, how can an Orange fundamentalist and monarchist like Mr McCausland also be proud of that heroic Fermanagh man? Surely, to be consistent, Mr McCausland would have to oppose the Armstrong of 1776 as much as he opposes Wolfe Tone of 1798? Or is Mr McCausland a closet Irish republican?

I have a special interest in the ScotsIrish, as they call themselves in the US. I’ve never met one who described themselves as an Ulster-Scot and I’ve never met one who believed England had a right to control any of the 32 counties of Ireland. That would betray the principles of their revolution. As regards the partition of Ireland, the Scots-Irish could no more support that than they could support the partition of the US.

This cognitive dissonance regarding the Scots-Irish role in the American Revolution will progress as the ‘real’ Scots (who live in Scotland) opt for independence. Therefore, this Fermanagh man must say, God bless Scotland.

FR SEAN McMANUS President, Irish National Caucus Washington, DC, USA