They feared that a HR parliament with a catholic majoirty would treat Protestants unfailry "Home Rule is Rome Rule"
10% of Ireland was Protestant
52% of Ulster was Protestant
Ulster Protestants had a suspicion and fear of persecution by the Catholic church
The Roman Catholic church had power and influence in Irish politics
Catholic doctrines like Ne Ternere
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Economic Reasons
Most Unionists lived in Ulster and had proposed since the union in 1800
Stirling "the extermination of the loyal Protestant minority can be effected just as surely by the taxation of their property & ruin of their industries
The industrialists of NE Ulster were directly dependent on the UK for external markets and sources of raw materials
Membership of UK meant free trade which was vital
Unionists believed that the Irish economy held no credit in the world economy
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Political Reasons
They were loyal to the Queen and wished to remain under the direct rule of the British govt
It might lead to full separation
HR would lead to violence
felt betrayed by British govt
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Regional identity
Ulster- Protestant = especially in NE Ulster
Order and presbyterian churches as well hindered- helped organise Unionism
Unionism had widespread influence in Westminister
"Unionism underwent 'ulsterisation' from 1910 onwards" PAUL BEW
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