Northern Ireland: analysis of a case study of conflictual situation based on minority problem: ethnic, linguistic and religious. “ Place and Role of Minorities in the Euromed Context: Ethnic, Linguistic & Religious” Bilbao, Spain, September 2007

Aims We will try to analyse the causes, the origins and the consequences of this conflict in the local, regional and international context. Also, using the Case Study of Northern Ireland demonstrate how can ethnic and religious minorities who are in conflict influences sharply the political, the economical and the cultural context on the local, regional and also the international context.

Objectives receive a historical overview of the irish religious and ethnic conflict look at the causes and the consequences of the conflict be able to contextualise the issues relevant to the conflict receive an overview of how the conflict can be solved or at least avoided.

Context Setting Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland)‏ Northern Ireland is on the island of Ireland and sits alongside it’s neighbour, the Republic of Ireland

Context Setting Northern Ireland has a population of approximately 1.5million people of which it is estimated that 55% are from a Protestant background and 44% are Catholic and under 1% others There are 32 counties in Ireland, 6 of which are in Northern Ireland and these 6 are in the ancient province of Ulster (9 counties). There are four provinces in Ireland: Ulster, Connaught, Leinster and Munster There is no one indigenous Irish Nation: history includes Normans, Vikings, Gaels, etc

Significant Dates 1155 – King Henry II grants permission to invade Ireland 1366 – Statute of Kilkenny to keep Irish and English apart 1530s – Anglicisation Laws 1608 – Plantation 1690 – Battle of the Boyne 1795 – Orange Order formed 1798 – Irish Rebellion

Significant Dates 1800 – Act of Union 1840s – Irish Famine 1916 – First World War/Easter Uprising 1921 – Partition 1937 – Free State becomes Rep of Irl: Articles 2 & – Second World War 1968 – Civil Rights Movement 1969 – British Troops enter N Ireland 1972 – Direct Rule

Significant Dates 1980 – Hunger Strikes 1985 –Anglo Irish Agreement 1994 – First IRA Ceasefire 1998 – Good Friday Agreement 2002 – Direct Rule re-introduced 2007 – Devolution returns

Who’s who? Unionists: British, Loyalist, Protestants, Orange, believe in the Union between GB and NI Nationalists: Irish, Republican, Catholic, Green, believe in a United Ireland Key Figures: Ian Paisley, Gerry Adams, John Hume, Tony Blair, Bertie Ahern

Conflict Northern Ireland has suffered a protracted, low intensity conflict which has encountered both individual and collective trauma Different Phases but current conflict began in 1968 Over 3, 500 people have died in the conflict

Efforts and Political Agreement 1974 – Sunning dale ‘Power Sharing’ Agreement 1998 – Good Friday Agreement 2007 – Devolution returns

Causes of conflict in NI Territory Identity Nationality Injustice Policing Decommissioning Politics

Causes of conflict in NI Military Equality Sectarianism Religion Class Violence Justice System

Causes of conflict in NI Sport Legitimacy Language Customs Traditions Education Symbols Economy

Why we failed….. Failure to recognise legitimate concerns Non-recognition of identity Not inclusive Violence viewed as legitimate Rights Vs Responsibilities Lack of Contact Victimhood Failure to address all issues fully ‘Whataboutery….’ Economical Differing Value Base

Why we succeeded….. Britain and Ireland’s relationship changed Outside Intervention – United States People grew tired of violence Those on the extremes were ‘brought in from the cold’ Recognition of each other, our identities, nationality and legitimate concerns Commitment of British and Irish governments Key Issues dealt with by ‘others’ & ‘outsiders’, i.e., decommissioning, policing, victims, parades, etc

Why we succeeded….. Peace Process was on-going ‘on the ground’ EDI Principles All issues were addressed Recognition of the past Commitment to peaceful change Commitment to removing conditions that caused conflict Constitutional Issues addressed Trust Fears were addressed Humour!

Cultural Aspects Live Apart Go to different Schools Different Names Languages Different Sports Music Historical Narrative Religion Wealth Identity – ‘not sure who I am but know what I’m not’

Dangers Living in segregated areas Segregated Education Poverty Power Base among Loyalist paramilitaries Some Republicans still opposed to political process Growing tide of Racism and homophobia

Dangers Sectarianism still underneath the surface Communities feel more polarised than ever Economy dependent on GB Potential Political Instability Parading Issues There are still guns in society Trust and ‘Blind Faith’ Young people involved in Street Politics

Thanks