The Unending Political Stalemate in Northern Ireland

Many of my friends have grown accustomed to the constant presence of cold, hunger, and weariness. The days of treating oneself to a takeaway and a relaxing bath to unwind after a long week are gone. Instead, my colleagues derive satisfaction from the humble indulgence of briefly using the heating. How did we find ourselves in such a bleak predicament?

Let me transport you to my childhood as a P6 student, sitting in a classroom with a substitute teacher. I enthusiastically raised my hand in the classroom, eager to provide an answer to a question that seemed to have stumped everyone else. The teacher asked a question about the two political parties that made headlines in the newspaper over the weekend. Extra credit if you can figure out the reason!

The DUP and Sinn Fein were the correct answers. I even received an additional point for explaining their transition from enemies to "friends." Oh, how innocent! Smugly, I settled into my chair, silently appreciating my nanny's weekly agreement to make Sunday dinner in exchange for the papers. Unbeknownst to me, this seemingly innocent photograph would later have a profound impact on my future in the country where I was born.

Fast forward to 2013, and my once optimistic perspective from that classroom quiz had completely disappeared. Each day, during my commute from secondary school in Belfast, I would navigate through Holywood Arches and over Newtownards Road. A group of protesters, holding Union Jack flags, encircled the Alliance Office, serving as a persistent reminder of the enduring divisions that continue to affect our society, even after 15 years since the Good Friday Agreement. On a particularly intense Saturday afternoon, the riots had escalated to the point where I was told to leave work early due to concerns for my safety. As my mum arrived to pick me up, the idea of camaraderie between political parties felt like an unattainable fantasy.

In 2014, I made the choice to venture elsewhere at the age of 18, seeking a new beginning in England. I had little knowledge about my new destination, apart from the fact that it was free from Stormont's heated debates about flags and the infringement of personal liberties. The stark contrast I experienced upon arrival was exciting and baffling. My new flatmates were completely indifferent to my religious background, where I kept my toaster, or my pronunciation of the letter H. I couldn't quite comprehend the difference that a little bit of water separation could cause. People of all diversities lived side by side; same-sex couples walked along the streets holding hands; and women didn't have to fly to another country to access an abortion clinic. I struggled to understand how politicians from our own country could make regular trips there without acknowledging the way of life that existed in places not defined by religion.

My heart remained connected to the political turmoil back home, despite the physical distance. The collapse of the executive and the bleak state of affairs dominated discussions with my parents and later, my friends at university. I found it somewhat puzzling how they struggled to grasp the intricacies of politics, while they seemed equally puzzled by my inability to provide a more fulfilling explanation than "that's just how things are." They would often question why our politicians could not emulate the dynamic of opposing parties like Labour and the Conservatives, who consistently challenge each other while remaining committed to their duties.

In 2017, a documentary titled "Billion Pound Party" seemed like the ideal means to acquaint my new acquaintances with the workings, or lack thereof, of my home country. The documentary was a product of the DUP's coalition with Theresa May's conservative government, a last-ditch effort from the tories to maintain their hold on power from labour, and an agreement that would later have negative consequences for the DUP. 

Gathering my flatmates, we all watched the show together. I shuddered at the sound of our accents on television, preparing myself for the possibility of recognising someone from my hometown. Throughout the programme, my friends exchanged bewildered glances, expressed shock, and dismissed the whole thing as ridiculous. However, there was a specific moment that I will never forget. Two women were interviewed, sharing their frustration with the DUP. A woman shared a deeply emotional story about her daughter, who was unable to marry her same-sex partner because of the DUP's frequent use of the petition of concern. Expressing her anger, she shook her head and candidly stated on camera that the party's policies failed to benefit individuals similar to herself. At that moment, Stacey Dooley asked a critical question: "Do you vote for them?" The woman's response, though hesitant, confirmed that she did. My friends might've been in disbelief, but her response resonated with me. Feeling confined by the system, she saw herself caught in a dilemma, torn between two opposing forces: the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Time and time again, voters in Northern Ireland are faced with a difficult decision between these two parties. We often hear that it's crucial to weigh the potential consequences of not voting for one party, as it could lead to the victory of the other. The concerns surrounding a united Ireland on one side or the continuation of British rule on the other have hindered the potential for significant change. 

I was aware of this because, when I initially received my own poll card, I took guidance from my Mum regarding my voting choices. Her response surprised me. She encouraged me to thoroughly research all political parties and select the one that best matched my personal beliefs. Others, however, viewed voting for any party other than the DUP or Sinn Fein as futile and a waste of time. I wondered: if there was a collective vote for change, could we potentially break free from this never-ending cycle? When I asked question to those around me, it would elicit a chuckle, a pat on the shoulder, and the standard response of "wise up!"

In 2020, filled with a sense of optimism, I made my way back to Belfast. The "New Decade, New Approach" agreement brought a glimmer of hope. Same-sex marriage and safe abortions were recently legalised, and the Stormont executive was recently back in action, diligently navigating through the challenges posed by the pandemic. It appeared that there was an air of hope for progress.

The brief feeling of hope quickly dissipated. In 2021, there was yet another executive collapse, this time due to the Protocol. However, once again, loyal  made their way to the voting booths in May 2022. Many in the media saw this as a crucial turning point, and the increase in the Alliance vote demonstrated the accuracy of reports highlighting the public's weariness with the unbelievable state of politics in this country. Of course, despite any increase in support of other parties, the DUP and Sinn Fein were the clear winners when the votes were tallied. 

As December 2022 unfolds, Northern Ireland is facing an untenable scenario. Families face the difficult decision of prioritising between heating their homes and putting food on the table, while businesses are closing down rapidly. The ongoing blame game among political leaders only worsens the shortcomings of Stormont. The festive spirit is overshadowed by the disappointing news that Santa may not be able to make his usual visit this year, while the sombre reality of lives lost on NHS waiting lists weighs heavily on our minds.

The ongoing political deadlock in Northern Ireland has left us feeling tired and disillusioned. The reluctance to embrace new ideas, along with the lasting conflicts and past resentments, prevented forward movement and fostered a feeling of destitution. Amidst the country's current challenges, there is a growing urgency for unity, empathy, and a collective determination to overcome previous obstacles. Only when Northern Ireland manages to escape the grip of its troubled past can we pave the way for a more promising future, but for the time being, that seems to be nothing more than an unrealistic aspiration.