Why did the unionists support Conscription 1917?

Unionists supported conscription in 1917 primarily to strengthen the British war effort during World War I, as they believed it was essential for maintaining loyalty to the British Crown and ensuring the defeat of Germany. They saw conscription as a means to mobilize more soldiers from Ireland to fight, thereby demonstrating their commitment to the union with Britain. Additionally, many unionists viewed conscription as a way to counter nationalist sentiments and reinforce British identity in Ireland.