The thing about being a blogger, particularly one who inhabits X, is that you eventually reach a point where you’ve seen every possible permutation of every mainstream opinion, and most of the fringe ones too.
My prediction, after having spent two tours in NI in the 70s,registered the GFA's appeasement of the IRA, witnessed the clusterfuck of how Brexit played out for them, the current migrant border issue and finally the fact their First Minster is a member of Sinn Fein I can only see more burning cars and serious trouble ahead as old wounds are reopened and the Unionist fight for their very existence.
From my visit last year, I read quite a bit about communities trying to get on together, but it seemed that there were some organisations that didn't want this to happen, as their very existence depended upon continuing separation.
There were small, I emphasise small, groups of people trying to drive immigrants and Catholics out of their houses, in one area. Now that small flame has has fuel added to it.
I don't underestimate the problems to finding long term solutions but the existence of eight foot high walls still separating Catholics from Protestants gives no likelihood of a long term future for the province.
Walls in the old areas, yes, and will be maintained, in part, for the tourists. We did a bus tour of 'The Troubles'! There's great graffiti on that wall!
There is still a divide but I got the impression that it wasn't nearly as bad as it used to be.
From my working visits to NI and over the last decade, Belfast & Derry mainly, 80% of the people want to move on with life, earn money and have a good standard of living. Two holidays a year, house, car and some fun money, just like everybody does. That is why nobody there really wants to open Pandora's box except the eccentric 20%. The London-centric blowhards of all political hues don't understand the intricacies (what was Tice going on about at his press conference ??). I certainly don't understand the intricacies and would never dream of going beyond the above. The only solution is economic growth and jobs. It's there to be done, and NI has done quite well since Brexit. More jobs = more peace, and let people get on with their lives and manage & contain the current mayhem
Unlike the first night in Belfast, which was organic and had real intentions regarding the HMO's, last night seemed staged.
Instead of being in the streets where the HMO properties are, where water cannons don't work as well, they were all on a very long straight road, far away from houses. How convenient, eh?
It would be the best thing for the right wing if Burnham wins the coming by election, the city hates him and the economy will be in freefall if he makes PM, he’ll likely resign within a week and possibly an election will be called. How’d I do? Heard that one yet?
My prediction, after having spent two tours in NI in the 70s,registered the GFA's appeasement of the IRA, witnessed the clusterfuck of how Brexit played out for them, the current migrant border issue and finally the fact their First Minster is a member of Sinn Fein I can only see more burning cars and serious trouble ahead as old wounds are reopened and the Unionist fight for their very existence.
💯
From my visit last year, I read quite a bit about communities trying to get on together, but it seemed that there were some organisations that didn't want this to happen, as their very existence depended upon continuing separation.
There were small, I emphasise small, groups of people trying to drive immigrants and Catholics out of their houses, in one area. Now that small flame has has fuel added to it.
I don't underestimate the problems to finding long term solutions but the existence of eight foot high walls still separating Catholics from Protestants gives no likelihood of a long term future for the province.
Walls in the old areas, yes, and will be maintained, in part, for the tourists. We did a bus tour of 'The Troubles'! There's great graffiti on that wall!
There is still a divide but I got the impression that it wasn't nearly as bad as it used to be.
From my working visits to NI and over the last decade, Belfast & Derry mainly, 80% of the people want to move on with life, earn money and have a good standard of living. Two holidays a year, house, car and some fun money, just like everybody does. That is why nobody there really wants to open Pandora's box except the eccentric 20%. The London-centric blowhards of all political hues don't understand the intricacies (what was Tice going on about at his press conference ??). I certainly don't understand the intricacies and would never dream of going beyond the above. The only solution is economic growth and jobs. It's there to be done, and NI has done quite well since Brexit. More jobs = more peace, and let people get on with their lives and manage & contain the current mayhem
Unlike the first night in Belfast, which was organic and had real intentions regarding the HMO's, last night seemed staged.
Instead of being in the streets where the HMO properties are, where water cannons don't work as well, they were all on a very long straight road, far away from houses. How convenient, eh?
It would be the best thing for the right wing if Burnham wins the coming by election, the city hates him and the economy will be in freefall if he makes PM, he’ll likely resign within a week and possibly an election will be called. How’d I do? Heard that one yet?
When the UK voted to leave the EU the problem of Northern Ireland was not a high priority for the EU.
It was British politicians who saw an opportunity to undermine Brexit. Our establishment advised the EU negotiators on ways of causing maximum damage.
They despise voters.
Even Barnier seemed shocked by British politicians.