The UK is currently in the middle of a storm… And the trend is towards change. Witness the arrival in power of Liz Truss as Prime Minister, and the sudden death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday. Since then, the country, like the rest of the world, has been in turmoil. And these profound changes will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the United Kingdom, but also for Northern Ireland… Here’s a look at what could be in store for the Northern Irish province…
Since the Brexit agreement, the European Union and London have been at the heart of an unprecedented showdown. The subject of their disagreement remains unchanged: the Brexit, has literally taken Northern Ireland hostage, forcing the creation of a customs border between the Republic of Ireland and the Northern Irish province…
This situation is making trade much more complex, and literally driving up the price of goods. What’s more, this generates certain supply difficulties, creating occasional shortages throughout the province.
This border is a source of great tension within Northern Ireland, and a latent reminder of past conflicts between Catholic republicans and Protestant unionists.
During his time in office, Boris Johnson had failed to solve the problem… But Liz Truss is determined to find a favorable outcome.
I’m determined to do it, and determined to work with all parties to find a solution,” she added. My preference is for a negotiated solution, but this would have to incorporate the elements of our legislation on the Northern Ireland protocol.
We can’t let the situation drag on, because my top priority is to protect the supremacy of the Good Friday Agreement.
These agreements put an end to more than 30 years of conflict in 1998. Since then, Northern Ireland has lived in a peaceful climate, with occasional periods of tension.
Very conservative, the Prime Minister leaves no doubt as to her determination to defend her country’s interests. For political specialists, the latter remains open to compromise… but will in no way jeopardize Great Britain’s control over Northern Ireland.
Since yesterday’s announcement of the Queen’s death, all eyes have been on the Windsor royal family. This sudden death meant that Charles was de facto crowned King…
This news will have little impact on Northern Ireland, as the Royal Family’s role is essentially one of non-political representation within the British establishment.
But one thing is certain: Elizabeth II was certainly the last monarch to possess an aura and legitimacy of this magnitude. Charle III’s accession to power threatened to accelerate the erosion of the royal family’s influence in Britain.
The scandals that have touched the monarch in the past have scratched the office far too much: Diana, Camilla… The British and Northern Irish people don’t have the same respect for Elizabeth.
Great Britain is currently in the throes of change, and is set to experience a great deal of turbulence in the future… both political and monarchical…
Only the Brexit question could shake Northern Ireland… and revive the question of the unification of the island, dear to the republicans, but judged unacceptable by Liz Truss…
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