In what way were the troubles an ideological conflict?

The Troubles in Northern Ireland were fundamentally an ideological conflict between nationalist and unionist communities. Nationalists, primarily Catholic, sought unification with the Republic of Ireland, driven by aspirations for self-determination and cultural identity. In contrast, unionists, mainly Protestant, aimed to maintain Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom, emphasizing loyalty to British identity and governance. This clash of identities and political aspirations fueled decades of violence and division.