An Irish nationalist is generally one who seeks (greater) independence of Ireland from Great Britain.

In the 19th century most "nationalists" were in favour of Home Rule - an Irish parliament within the United Kingdom. Following the defeat of Charles Stuart Parnell and the Gaelic Revival, physical force republicanism became increasingly important and, after the Easter Rising of 1916, became the dominant force in Irish nationalism.

In Northern Ireland today the term is used to refer either to the Catholic population in general or specifically the supporters of the anti-violence Social Democratic and Labour Party led by Mark Durkan.

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