The Northern Ireland and UK governments are discussing political stability in the area today. In Northern Ireland, which borders EU member state Ireland, political chaos reigns now that the pro-British party DUP no longer wants to participate in a government because the party does not agree with the agreements on the Brexit.
According to Europe correspondent Stefan de Vries, the troubles have been ongoing since the Brexit referendum seven years ago this week. “We spent a long time negotiating with the British, it cost four different British prime ministers, but last February we finally reached an agreement on this issue.”
For example, special rules have been agreed for the import and export of goods destined for the UK via Northern Ireland and Ireland. However, the pro-British party DUP cannot agree with the agreements made. “They believe that this way Northern Ireland will remain half in the European Union and will not be able to join the UK.”
Essential
The DUP is essential to the government of Northern Ireland. It was previously agreed that the party must always be in government. Since last year, however, the DUP no longer has a political majority, and the party is blocking the formation of a Northern Ireland government and parliament. This makes Northern Ireland ungovernable.
During the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC), a consultative body of the United Kingdom and Ireland, the British want to end the political chaos. Prime Minister Sunak has often said that a government needs to be set up. With the ultimate consequence of a united Ireland, if that doesn’t happen. The question, however, is whether a solution to the conflict can be found today. “The standoff has been going on for more than a year.”
“It’s a fragile peace, a spark is enough”
Flame in the pan
There are fears that the political chaos could set Northern Ireland on fire again. “People have been afraid of it for some time. Peace between Protestants and Catholics is actually a kind of truce,” says De Vries. The DUP was in favor of Brexit, but the majority of Northern Ireland wanted to belong to Europe. There are also more and more people in favor of joining Ireland”.
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Despite rising tensions, violence has not yet escalated. “But she’s always been a powder keg. It’s a fragile peace, a spark is enough.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
