Did anyone during the Troubles imagine this happening?
Excellent elections for the Alliance Party, from 8 seats to 17 to become a strong third party.
https://news.sky.com/story/sinn-fein...OswLRqx4BuM0Do
Did anyone during the Troubles imagine this happening?
Excellent elections for the Alliance Party, from 8 seats to 17 to become a strong third party.
https://news.sky.com/story/sinn-fein...OswLRqx4BuM0Do
Not really a victory for SF, more like a self-induced defeat by the unionist politicians. The SF vote did not change a great deal, whereas the non-SF voters dispersed to alternate parties. The increase in Alliance and Ulster Unionist shows that the population wants less of the flat Earth bible-thumpers. They have talked NI into a mess- Brexit is a disaster for the normal people who live there - and the fact that the Unionists themselves created the all-Ireland border situation is a stunning act of self-harm.
Most people in NI are not extreme in their views but have been damaged by the troubles. There is a lot of unresolved hurt on both sides.
Actually, no, I thought it had but it looks like overall, the usual unionist vote is so disenfranchised by the incumbents they have moved to Alliance who actually want to get the assembly governing.
The media analysis overall is a major simplification of what has happened. A border poll is highly unlikely an time soon, even if SF win in the south (a SF Taoiseach is abhorrent to FF / FG but SF are promising the Earth and look likely to win). Agreement for reunification will be needed on both sides and whilke a theoretical united Ireland would please many, the practical (financial) considerations make it a daunting proposition.
As it stands, the NI Assembly is unlikely to return and there will be another vote in six months or so. It's a mess of many makings.
Last edited by saltywetman; 08-05-2022 at 07:21 PM.
I generally believe that more integration, not less, is a better way forward, whether it means Britain in the EU or Catalonia in Spain or NI in Britain. But holy crap, every time you start looking closer into the leading figures of DUP or TUV or whatnot you just want to wash your hands and clear your browser history.
It's really nice to see that the alliance made lots of gains. Bit disappointing that the DUP can simply boycott the formation of any government.
Slightly off-topic but nevertheless, an interesting article for Ireland watchers:
https://quadrant.org.au/magazine/202...efence-policy/