This week I will take a look at how differently things may have turned out if the UVF had not been formed and if the unionists in Ulster had accepted democracy the way nationalists had done so when the Tories denied Ireland Home Rule.

• Craig and Carson agree to sign an agreement in 1912 pledging to accept the workings of democracy.
• Ireland becomes closer as a result.The British are heartened at this development.
• Home Rule is introduced and the unionists accept the democratic decision but World War I means the plans are put on hold.
• In 1916 a Rising breaks out but is put down.Home Rulers such as Padraig Pearse condemn the actions.The Rising is portrayed as a bloodthirsty act with no purpose.It doesn't have a big impact.Redmond convinces the British with some help from unionism that the men involved shouldn't be made martyrs.
• The unionists are still displeased with the Rising but things are worked out with Redmond and the Home Rulers.
• After the end of the War,Home Rule is introduced to Ireland.Redmond dies and is succeeded by Dillon as unionism attains a form of Home Rule within Home Rule.
• Tensions begin to mount as the unionists are not happy with the Irish cultural aspects of Home Rule which they see as a threat to the Union.Aspects such as the proposal to introduce the Irish language as compulsory.Dillon does not command respect.
• The British intervene amid unionist threats to boycott the Home Rule parliament.
• Irish plans are scrapped much to the fury of the Irish public and a fresh Rising similar to 1916 takes place with Padraig Pearse one of the leaders.
• It is put down brutally and men like Pearse are killed but emerge as martyrs.
• A civil war breaks out between the UVF and the IRB(later the IRA).
• The British side with the unionists but the IRA by now have mainstream support.
• The Irish are invited to Treaty talks.

Anyone care to comment on this rewriting of history?