Simple background
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Many other position statements outline the history of the state and the island, and the Wikipedia history of the article, and this one does a great job of outlining the general pros and cons. I had prepared a longer statement with various references and counter arguments, but in the end I decided that enough is enough, and to cut through the long-winded political stuff I've kept this statement simple.
"Ireland" is ambiguous
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It can refer to both the island and the state.
Disambiguation is required
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Since "Ireland" is ambiguous, we ask if there is a primary article. There is no convincing evidence either way for the island or the state.
Which terms to use
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The only dab option available in this poll for the entire island is to use Ireland (island). The dab options for the state are to use Ireland (state) or to keep the status quo at Republic of Ireland.
Options available
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Given the amount of edit warring and controversy over the current article title, "Republic of Ireland", it makes sense to examine an alternative option. Bearing in mind that:
- There is no evidence that Ireland (state) will be objectionable to any editor or will lead to edit warring
- The current title has resulted in 7 years of constant bickering and edit warring.
- Arguments based on policy can be used to justify either name. We have reasonable arguments for both. Therefore to put an end to a long-running dispute, for some peace and quiet, and a more collaborative Wikipedia, the current title should be replaced. The only option in this poll is Ireland (state).
Conclusion
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Given that a dab is required, then Option E is a logical choice that will result in an end to the bickering and squabbling.
- Since using "Republic of Ireland" as the article title has given rise to 7 years of edit warring across multiple articles, I would ask that you consider avoiding option F.
- Other options to consider that would solve 99% of all edit-warring are:
- Merely changing the current article title to "Ireland (state)" - choose Option D
- Moving around text so that most times, people get what they want from the "Ireland" article - choose Option C
- Options which I believe will result in continued (albeit different) confrontations, and therefore cannot support are:
- Option A, Merge Ireland and Republic of Ireland into one article at Ireland will result in a charge of making an extra-territorial claim since "Northern Ireland", although on the same island physically, is actually part of the United Kingdom.
- Option B, The state at Ireland. The island at Ireland (island) since there is no evidence that the state qualifies as a primary article, and the same charge of making an extra-territorial claim - see above
- Option F, the current situation. This is why we're here in the first place, let's put things right and avoid this option.
