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Addressing the Roots of Conflict Analysis of the Long War in N. Ireland (1969-1994) with Oliver Corr & Tommy McKearney Tommy McKearney Oliver Corr Perceptions of Northern Irish conflict may be arbitrary • Dates are only a starting point Colonisation… Williamite war … French revolution… Foundation of Northern Ireland state … Conflict of late 20th century. 1994 ceasefire. 1998 Good Friday Agreement ended physical conflict but did not provide a conclusive accord for future • An uneasy calm Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson says that the arrangement is no longer fit for purpose Some misconceptions about Irish conflict • Religious war? Communities defined historically by religion but not a conflict over theology e.g. Israel & Palestine • Fighting Irish … congenitally predisposed to violence Not true. Famine… Republic post 1923 & post 2008 • Britain separating two warring tribes London had/has strategic stake in Ireland Roots of Northern Irish conflict • 17th Century colonialism Plantation or Settlers displace indigenous in order to garrison island • Super power concerns in 20th century Great Britain was world super power until after WW11 • Unequal and discriminatory society Northern Ireland systematically practiced discrimination and enforced it by authoritarian regime • One community privileged & authorised to police other Regular police plus armed civilian population Recent Northern Irish conflict • Struggle to change nature of NI regime 1968 Civil Rights movement … bitterly resisted by state & supporters • Resistance from local and central governments 1969 street protest turned bloody. Drift towards insurrection • Armed and bloody conflict Battle between; 1) anti-state forces i.e. IRA fighting 2) Central government plus local state & supporters • Ended when outside intervened 1994 … IRA ceasefire. Ground-work involved initiative by British central government, Irish government, US government and IRA leadership Current Northern Irish conflict • Constant awareness of demographics Catholic population increasing… a majority in under 40s. Exacerbating unease and fueling sectarian politics. • Economic decline Globalisation has led to relative poverty & unemployment • Changing face of UK British economy has changed … London centric and finance focused • Scottish referendum (Catalonia) Adding to unease…British PM offers federalism… No military intervention. Expac Ltd … its foundation & ethos • Founded in 1997 as prisoners assistance group Realisation of needs greater than welfare provision • Need to share understanding of conflict Need to challenge misconceptions and recognise realities • Need to engage across the board Not just with former prisoners but dialogue with all sections of society Expac Ltd … efforts and outcomes • Welfare provision for former prisoners & families Assistance post release…research into impact … representation • The Other View magazine Joint editorship …Understanding that all criticism is not dangerous • Conflicts of Interest training Exchange of views but no proselytizing • Provision of contact and conduits of communication Work and progress unseen and often underrated Expac Ltd … Future • Communication for marginalised communities Technology in modern age & Techniques for the new technology • Engaging: discontented, disconnected & unsatisfied Encouraging people to promote their view openly and respectfully and with impact • Speaking on air leads to speaking in person Sharing experiences and needs leads to positive common purpose Thank You Contact: [email protected] or [email protected] PDF of this presentation at; http://www.expac.ie/blog/ www.expac.ie