There have been a number of commentators expressing dismay at the tribalism in the last election in the six counties. I do not accept this analysis that in the north there are two tribes. I do not accept that the results of the election reaffirmed that there are two tribes in the north. I know it’s an easy way for media people to present the division but it obfuscates more than it clarifies. The fact that there are two distinct political communities in the six counties is a result of our long colonial history and in particular it is a result of the partition of this island in 1920-21. The British has always maintained power and control by a policy of divide and conquer. They did it in Africa -as did the French and Belgians. They did it in India and in other countries in Asia. They left behind divided societies because they showed a preference for those who were loyal to those they suspected of being disloyal to their form of oppressive governance. This has often resulted in terrible conflict between those seeking freedom and democracy and those who wanted to maintain the political status quo.
The people in Ireland have suffered similar consequences because the colonial masters in London have steadfastly refused to decolonise fully and hand back the territory they had taken by force in the first place. The nationalist people in the north have, in the forthcoming election, an opportunity to reverse much of the harm done by British colonial agents over many centuries.
They can unite in an electoral pact to exert maximum pressure on the British government to restore national sovereignty to this country. By winning a maximum number of seats they will maximise the Nationalist/Republican vote and make it clear that the majority here are opposed to Brexit and want to remain in the EU. It is in the best interests of all the people living on this island if Brexit is not applied in Ireland. If this happens it will be another nail in the coffin of colonialism. A deal to accommodate unionists in a New Ireland is then possible. Unionists have nothing to fear and nothing to lose from Ireland regaining independence and sovereignty. Their rights and culture would have to be respected and protected. Their economic situation could only improve and they would certainly have more political power in a unified Ireland.
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