Northern Ireland has recently been in news due to the worst violence seen in years. This violence has its roots deeply planted in a sectarian split that came into existence more than two decades ago, despite a peace deal aimed at curtailing Northern Ireland’s troubles.
Historical Conflict: The Genesis of the Division
Geographically, Northern Ireland is a part of Ireland but politically, it is a part of the United Kingdom (UK). The political landscape of this region has been marked by struggle and unrest due to centuries of colonization and an uneasy union with the UK. Around 100 years ago, 26 out of 32 counties of Ireland gained independence and became a Roman Catholic-majority country. However, the remaining 6 counties in the north, with a Protestant majority, remained British.
The Catholic minority residing in Northern Ireland faced continuous discrimination in the Protestant-run state. A civil rights movement by Catholics demanding changes was met with a harsh response from the government, leading to conflicts involving Irish republican militants, loyalist paramilitaries, and UK troops. These conflicts resulted in the loss of over 3,600 lives, mostly civilians, over three decades.
Ending the Conflict: A Temporary Peace
By the 1990s, secret talks and diplomatic efforts led to a peace deal known as the 1998 Good Friday accord. This involved disarmament of the paramilitaries and the establishment of a power-sharing government for Northern Ireland. However, the arrangement saw intermittent success and failure due to lack of trust between the government and both sides.
Northern Ireland: The Problem Child of Brexit
Post-Brexit, Northern Ireland has been described as the “problem child”. As the only part of the UK sharing a border with an EU nation, resolving issues relating to it posed significant challenges. The open Irish border allowing free flow of people and goods was pivotal for the peace process. However, Brexit resulted in new barriers and checks on trade. This arrangement was met with resistance from British unionists who saw it as a threat to Northern Ireland’s place in the UK and a trigger for calls for Irish reunification.
Recent Violence: Brexit and COVID-19
After officially leaving the EU on 31st December, the new trade arrangements became a source of discontent among unionists who championed remaining a part of the UK. The effects of Brexit were worsened by the global pandemic leading to supply chain disruptions and empty supermarket shelves. The promise of no new trade checks by British Prime Minister and the downplaying of changes caused by Brexit added fuel to the fire.
The Underlying Identity Crisis
Some members of Northern Ireland’s British loyalist community believe that their identity is under attack, and that Northern Ireland, by extension, has ceased being much of a part of the UK. This is a sentiment shared by many loyalists, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.