(10 Jun 2017, 8:10 pm)MrFozz wrote The problem as I understand it is this...
To get Stormont back on track, the British and Irish Governments were to mediate between Sinn Fein and the DUP. The problem now being tje DUP are effectively in bed with the Government, so how can they remain impartial.
Could the answer not be, simply send somebody else to mediate, maybe her majesties opposition or have another outside government come in and mediate with the Irish to get Stormont.
Just makes it harder with the DUP now working with the Tories.
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The real problem comes if Stormont don't get back on track. If that happens, then all the devolved NI assembly responsibilities go back to Westminster. DUP would love that outcome, anyhow, but it wouldn't be in any way satisfactory for Sinn Fein. So that situation could end up with everyone back at square one, anyhow, but now DUP hold the balance of power at Westminster and the Conservatives will be doing everything they can to keep them onside.
The fact that such a high proportion of the NI population still votes along sectarian lines, regardless of the various regressive policies both the main parties have (Sinn Fein are actually socially more moderate than DUP as Ireland is socially more liberal than NI) and regardless of the push for more progressive party politics from some small groups (eg the Alliance party, who are affiliated with the lib dems) illustrates how so many people simply are not ready to let go and move on. There is still too much pain and there are probably still people alive who were born before the original, 1920, Bloody Sunday any many many others will be steeped in that history via their own parents and grandparents who will have been there, at the time.