for the government's part, those defending the proposed name argued that the term "ulster" should still be included because of precedent; in the past, it had been attached to certain regiments in northern ireland. another opponent of the amendment disagreed that catholics would be put off joining because of the force. he pointed to the ulster unionist party as an example of an organisation that included the word ulster and had many catholic members. the under-secretary of state for the british army said "the government considered that the use of the word 'ulster' is, frankly, unimportant". another speaker said a majority in northern ireland prefer the word "ulster". the proposed amendment was defeated and the udr got its name.