Question

the news has stunned northern ireland, a staunchly conservative society in which many politicians, particularly those in protestant - backed unionist parties, see themselves as unofficial guardians of public morality. source: time in the sentence above, guardians has the same or almost the same meaning as: notables ancestors targets defenders

Explanation:

"Guardians" implies those who protect or defend. "Defenders" has a similar meaning in the context of protecting public - morality. "Notables" are well - known people, "ancestors" are forebears, and "targets" are objects of attention or attack, none of which match the meaning of "guardians" here.

Answer:

D. defenders