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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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1800 – Act of Union
1840s – Irish Famine
1916 – First World War/Easter Uprising
1921 – Partition
1937 – Free State becomes Rep of Irl: Articles
2&3
1939-45 – Second World War
1968 – Civil Rights Movement
1969 – British Troops enter N Ireland
1972 – Direct Rule
Significant Dates
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1980
1985
1994
1998
2002
2007
– Hunger Strikes
–Anglo Irish Agreement
– First IRA Ceasefire
– Good Friday Agreement
– Direct Rule re-introduced
– Devolution returns
Who’s who?
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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
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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
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1974 – Sunning dale ‘Power Sharing’
Agreement
1998 – Good Friday Agreement
2007 – Devolution returns
Causes of conflict in NI
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Territory
Identity
Nationality
Injustice
Policing
Decommissioning
Politics
Causes of conflict in NI
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Military
Equality
Sectarianism
Religion
Class
Violence
Justice System
Causes of conflict in NI
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Sport
Legitimacy
Language
Customs
Traditions
Education
Symbols
Economy
Why we failed…..
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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…..
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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…..
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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
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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
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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
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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