What does this signal for Northern Ireland?
Oh dear. Here we go again. Haven’t been to Northern Ireland “in anger” in a dozen years, though I have been to give the odd lecture and to enjoy the peace and prosperity of the region.
But today it seems a little as it did when I first went 35 years ago – a sort of uncertainty, a question of what things signal.
As I write I have just witnessed the extraordinary vision of Peter Robinson, Martin McGuinness and Sir Hugh Orde coming together at Stormont to condemn the killing last night of a policeman.
The great unknown this time is how significant this disparate, disaffected group of people is. Are they squeezed by the downturn in the economy? Are they excluded by new political and policing agreements?
Well, we’re on our way to find out. Me, my cameraman, and a couple of producers. Frankly, by the time you get there you only have half a day – half a day of dashing about in markets, stopping people in shop doorways, and trying to persuade the people with influence to talk to me.
Despite everything that’s ever happened in Northern Irelandm it’s one of the most invigorating and engaging of places. Beyond the immediate, I go with no heavy heart.
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Yes. I think there is a connection between these terrible killings and the downturn in the economy. Is it that people in good times would be less tolerant of killings such as these than in bleaker times? It’s something like that.
I have just watched Faisal Islam on the web report. You have got to be very careful that you do not do the work for the Real IRA in publicising their murders of local police.
My daughter is a student in Belfast, and these recent murders are not the hot topic.Handing in the latest essay or assignment is.
I think there has been a void here for some time, created by the lack of political progress. This has led to frustration. If there is any good to come of these terrible murders, it is that the unity and determination demonstrated today by the politicians can be converted into political action. Maybe the political process needed a kick in the rear end.
The “show of unity” was the most impressive political act I’ve ever seen in my whole life. Bar none. It was a huge statement.
I don’t see how they can squabble over old differences in the Irish Parliament now.
The politicians will have to get on with making it work, or risk being reminded of that “show of unity”.