People of Belfast...?

Question

How great has the change been in Belfast in the 10 years since the good friday agreement?

Are the Catholic and Protestant communities of the city finally starting to come together and is sectarianism finally coming to an end, however slow the process may be?

Do you think Northern Ireland has a bright future?

What nationality do you see yourselves as?

Thanks for answering :D

Answer 1

I was't alive for the 'troubles' but from the sound of what Northern Ireland was like in the 70s, there has been dramatic change.  Yes, the process is slow but it is getting better and I really do believe that one day, sectarianism will only be a small problem in Northern Ireland.

I think everyone needs to understand eachother. Instead of sticking to what our parents have told us and what has been drilled into our heads, we need to educuate ourselves about why others have a different opinion. I can see both sides, thus I feel no bitterness to those who see our politcal issues in a different light. I think if we could just understand and accept others beleifs then it would be easier. Not to say that if we all understand each others beleifs, the problem of 'who' Northern Ireland belongs to will go away but it would ease the problems, surely.

I think Northern Ireland has a very bright future! Step one - Get the bigots! Joking.

Well it says British on my passport but I tend not to think about the whole Irish or British thing - I'm Northern Irish. People can argue with me and tell me "Northern Irish isn't a real nationality" but do Ireland or the UK REALLY want us? No one else wants us so all we have are each other in the end...we should get used to that fact and stop this nonsense.

Answer 2

Firstly I feel the need to point out your mistake Britain consists of England and Wales only, Great Britain includes Scotland and the United Kingdom includes Northern Ireland, it is of course an abbreviation of The United Kingdom Of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (see the front of your passport).

I consider myself Irish, Northern Irish and British and I don't think theres anything wrong with that.  There are many types of Irishness, my view is being Northern Irish makes you Irish although I understand why some would disagree with me on the same note being born in Northern Ireland makes you Northern Irish, religion should have nothing to do with it but I again understand it is an emotive issue for people.

The Good Friday Agreement  took along time to make a difference but I believe it has in parts.  Belfast is a great city and for the most part anyone can go in there and have a fantastic days or nights craic with no bother I couldn't and wouldn't have said that 10 years ago.

However in some parts of the city and indeed throughout N.I. Catholics and Protestants live apart in their own communities and prefer to do so.  There will never be an end to sectarian hatred in Northern Ireland however if the majority of us want peace I think for once we'll get it and the minority of closed minded bigots may try their best but will fail.  

Answer 3

There has been a great change in all of NI yes both communities are now entering into dialogue with each other over parades e.t.c. also Northern Ireland has one of the best futures for tourism I would see my self as being Irish? but being of the Protestant faith I would have to say British?.

p.s We live here and we can't make sense of what is going on here.

Answer 4

my geat-grandfather, mick lawler came from ireland, and i've always prided myself as being irish.  my wife visited ireland a few years back.  from what i read here in america it seems that all of ireland is doing well, my dog is a scottish terrier and she puts up with me irishishness, course a bit of bitter helps me there.

sam

Answer 5

we have a long way to go but we CAN get there look at scotland there is sectarianism there (they have protestant a nd catholic schools) but on thewhole poeple get on because they view themselves as being scottish firstand foremost i think that catholics have a lot to learn in that respect as thinking of themselves as being northern irish first as we all should. i am british it says so on my passport forget about geography that is the way most protestants think but i class myself as ulster scots because we have celtic roots as well, what a melee it's really hard to understand!! in reply why are you asking this question if you don't agree with people saying they are british?? that's a bit one sided ok then i'm from ulster or should i call myself northern lol

Answer 6

Welll since the good friday agreement things have quickly calmed down, but Protestant's and Catholic's they are together but they dont live together, like protestants live in our own area's (e.g. shankill, tigers bay, shore road etc) and catholic's live in their own areas (e.g falls, ardoyne, short strand), I dont really think that secterianisim is over yet, each side are still called names (like orange scum, fenien etc etc) by the other side. I think we do have a bright future

and i see myself as British and northern irish (the way english people are British but English if you get me)