new generations are interested in peace

In a global context where conflicts that many now consider to be “endless” seem to be reigniting, important news is reaching usNorth Ireland – a country which for decades has been the scene of very bitter clashes between its inhabitants. On February 3, 2024, for the first time in the country's history, Michelle O'Neill becomes Prime Minister: Republican woman, in favor of reunification with Éire (the Republic of Ireland, member of the European Union). Moreover, especially among new generations, the desire to live in peace and leave behind the sectarian hatreds of the past is growing.

The long journey in search of normality

When it happens, these days, to visit cities like Belfast or Derry, with their folklore they Irish Pub, thinking about the recent past can have a strange effect. Where dynamism and desire for the future reign today, the streets – until the last decades of the last century – were dark and occupied by armed soldiers. Northern Ireland was in fact the country of Troublesthat is to say sectarian clashes which has long pitted its citizens against each other, even leading to terrorist actions.

This small nation – which is part of the United Kingdom, unlike the Republic of Ireland or Éire – for a long time, it was inhabited mainly by Protestants, culturally linked to the British crown. The rest of the population is Catholic and mostly in favor of joining Éire (from which it separated in 1921). All this – also due to the discrimination against the Catholic side – led to the conflict between the two factions, which only ended in the late nineties.

A change that is reshaping the future of Northern Ireland

In 1998, the “Good Friday Agreement” marked a turning point in political relations between Éire and the United Kingdom. These agreements established, among other things, that Northern Ireland was to remain British, unless – over time – a majority in favor of independence and membership of Éire emerged among its inhabitants.

In such a context, the current ascension of Michelle O'Neill to the post of Prime Minister of Northern Ireland is of considerable importance. Actually it is the first time, in the history of the small state, that a republican politician – that is to say in favor of the reunification of the two Irelands – has occupied this position. His election – made possible thanks to the support of the DUP, a conservative and pro-British party – represents, for many, a step forward towards calling for a referendum on the independence of Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland in the eyes of new generations

However, more than in politics, the real dynamic of change matures within the population. At the end of last year, according to a survey carried out by Times it was found that 57% of Northern Irish people aged 18 to 24 would support a reunited Ireland. Furthermore, on the other hand, more and more British people do not consider sovereignty over Northern Ireland as a priority.

At present, Northern Ireland appears to be the region of the United Kingdom most in need of resources and investment – while Éire has one of the most dynamic economies in Europe: it has also been the subject of delicate political agreements between the UK and the EU in recent years.

In all cases, The fundamental lesson that can be learned from the history of this nation is that no conflict is eternal. The advent of generations who have never experienced the most extreme phases of the country's fighting opens up previously unimaginable perspectives. And it may be the only way to truly achieve peace.