Ian Paisley is not somebody I find I agree with too often. My blood pressure is more likely to rise to dangerous levels when I hear him speak than to find I agree with his point of view.
In my media-based view of Northern Ireland politics, rhetoric and mutual-hatred seems to be the common theme. One party cries ‘chalk’, the other party cries ‘cheese’.It had – until today – an underlying feeling of hopelessness, of intractable positions with too much history and animosity. There simply seemed to be an implacable divide between the two viewpoints, as represented by the continued refusal of Ian Paisley to talk to Gerry Adams, and piercing condemnation.
I think, then, that I’m right to agree with the words being used by the media that today is truly Historic. The DUP and Sinn Fein agreeing to share power is a real shift, a massive commitment, and a rare achievement in Northern Ireland. It demonstrates once and for all that the steady progress of the last decade has been for good, and for once the rhetoric and bombast seems appropriate. The words that Paisley and Adams spoke, at least that the media reported, were measured, reasonable and sensible. There almost seemed to be an understanding between the two of them of how significant their words were. Comradeship in the face of such attention and implied significance? They were the only two who could understand what the other was going through, perhaps?
Of course, it won’t see an end to the petty bigotry and hatred that we see (even here in Glasgow, with our ‘own’ Orange parades, and football-focused sectarianism), but at least it’s a real sign of change and underlying Realpolitik. The cynic in me eyes the pressing economics, and pure politics, of the water-rate issue that seems to have been the not-so-hidden reason for the politicians to make progress and take back power. But a useful focus none the less, that has helped bash heads together and bring them in line with the will, and concerns, of the provinces people.
What next? I hope for a normalisation of politics. Of normal issues, of normal frustrations, and normal representation. Perhaps, someday, across the sectarian divide. Politics for politics sake, not based on religion or background.
Yet I’m still wary that there’s a long time between now and the start of power-sharing, and that’s the start of the real challenge. Remember too that the DUP were so implacably against the Good Friday agreement. Yet they now hold pole position in unionist politics, and are about to enter in to a power sharing agreement with sworn enemies. There’s some real hope, and certainly cause for celebration, for all the people of that province, that their politicians have finally taken a bold step forward, and I very much hope it rewarded by the normality, and frustrations, of conventional politics.
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