The six-county area, which contains for all practical purposes a
homogeneous community of Unionists and Protestants, is a self-contained stronghold with such logical boundaries that it cannot be assailed by the preachers of self-determination. The Spectator has argued ever since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill in 1912 that this view of the situation must be taken if the majority of Ulster Unionists were to be kept safe. The Idea did not take root very easily at first, but having passed through wintry weather it has at length grown and blossomed. " Our action," said Sir Edward Carson, " is not due to funk, but is the sheer logic of reason." Further, we agree absolutely with Sir Edward Carson's opinion that a strong six counties will be able to do far more for the rest of Ireland than would
a weak, tottering fabric of the whole nine counties."
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