Why Are Loyalists So Afraid Nowadays To Join A United Ireland? I Understand Historical Fears But Even Scotland And England Are Seeking Independence. What Do They Think Will Happen? Most Protestants Who Live In The South Have No Problems.

The Loyalists probably fear a United Ireland because of the historic differences between the Loyalists and the Republicans
It's very much a fear based on ignorance and fear of the unknown. They feel that their grip on things has loosened and find it difficult to accept that things must change as the period of peace has gone beyond people wanting to return to violence. It won't happen overnight but if people can bring the next generations up to respect and tolerate other people - then hopefully a better understanding will develop eventually.
The situation with England and Scotland and Wales is different and not based on religious differences or recent violence.

I think Loyalists feel that they would be persecuted as they've historically been in a strong position in Ulster. It's interesting that many people in the Republic don't feel strongly about having union with Ulster, although of course many do. I have heard that many Loyalists are quite 'conservative' and fear change.
I'm only making these comments because I've listened to people who have lived in Ulster and have talked a lot with both Loyalists and Republicans. I think that if Ireland became united Loyalists feel that they would become the minority and loose the links to the UK.

Hopefully changes will come, even if gradually and it won't matter who neighbours are or what religion they follow as it is here in most areas of the UK. Part of my own ancestry is based on people from Southern Ireland and Ulster who come over to UK and reconciled their differences over time so I have a real interest in what is going on now in Ireland.
I think the situation in the South is very different and much more tolerant.
I hope this helps.

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