The beginning of the end of the GFA

[ArtyQueing]

I am convinced we are seeing the unravelling of the GFA. Due to unionist minimalism we see that the young people in nationalist areas are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the political process as it has been a failure for the Irish people over the last ten years. We have not seen any substantial cultural recognition.

The promise of an united Ireland by 2016 is increasingly seen as a line. It now appears that SF has been sold a pup and cannot go back, they are trapped in a partitionist solution with no escape route and no willingness to seek one.

The political impotence of SF's position has been exposed in areas such as the Irish Language Act, the never ending pantomine that is education under Catriona Ruane and the silly traitor remark of McGuinness.

The SDLP are unable to make capital from this debacle which shows that they are a busted docket.

That leaves the only method the disenchanted have of expressing their frustration with the political situation and increasing alienation from the political process to be the path of violence.

In the immediate the only way to stop this descent, which may or not be to their advantage, is for the unionists to be generous and give way to non-threatening requests of nationalism such as the Irish language act, which would give out a message that the unionists recognise nationalists sentiments.

However I do not believe that unionists could do this due to intransigence blinding them from seeing what is in their best interests.

[Amach na Casca]

I doubt we are seeing the GFA coming to an end. All major parties have signed up to it and the powers that be will do all in their power to see it continue. I agree with you I suspect the British Govt may have to throw a bone to disgruntled republicans, something like the Irish language act been forced through. If it would quell the civil unrest in the short term it would be worth it from their viewpoint.

[TradCat]

I am convinced we are seeing the unravelling of the GFA. Due to unionist minimalism we see that the young people in nationalist areas are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the political process as it has been a failure for the Irish people over the last ten years. We have not seen any substantial cultural recognition.

It's a big problem and it's impossible to say give us more of our agenda or there will be violence.

In terms of their own narrow political interest the DUP have played a blinder. They have made it look like Sinn Fein have bought into British rule in exchange for almost nothing. It is hurting Sinn Fein and helping the dissidents.

As a long-term strategy it makes no sense. They appear to have no interest in making nationalists feel like equals.

[Question R24U]

The Belfast Agreement has the weight of international law behind it, it caused constitutional changes in the republic and legislative changes in the uk, it achieved 95% support in the south and 71% support in the north: i don't think some disenchanted social welfare dependent male youths or the deaths of two working class squadies and a copper will change that. Though, there are 300 in the nation who do believe it by keepin' it real or continuing 'the war'..

[HanleyS]

Who promised a 'United Ireland by 2016'? Against the will of the Unionist majority of Northern Ireland?

[Pat Mc Larnon]

Who promised a 'United Ireland by 2016'? Against the will of the Unionist majority of Northern Ireland?

Please enlighten us as to who 'promised' a United Ireland by 2016.

[Aindriu]

The whole point is that violence didn't work last time and will not work this time. All it will achieve is more death, destruction and grief.

The ONLY way forward is through dialogue.

I do agree that the Westminster government need to engage wikth the Unionists to drive through things like the Irish Language Act though. The Unionists have to accept that there are a group of people in the north who have a democratic right to see themselves as Irish and identify fully with their Irish heritage no matter how much that will stick in the Unionists' throats.

In the same vein, the Nationalists have to accdept the right of the Unionists to see themselves as British and identify with their culture.

[mutley]

The brits needed to put pressure on the unionists long before now and had a responsibility to ensure the Good Friday greement was implemented in full, the chances of that happening are becoming less likley if the conservatives are returned to power in the next election.

The DUP have to put spin out to their electorates so its easier to hide the reality that the DUP now powershare government with Sinn Fein - something that they swore they would never do - they want a Unionist only majority government and they haven't got it - so no matter how much they spin they put out there they have lost too, and lets face it they need to have plenty of spin at the ready as it is only going to take a 51 % majority in favour of a united Ireland to make it happen

So things like Education and the Irish Language act are important but the focus should really be that the mechanisms for a united Ireland are in place

Martin McGuinness' traitor comment was totally over the top - as Sinn Fein should be engaging with dissidents not turning on them. I can't help thinking that his remarks were aimed to increase Sinn Feins support among nationalists who would traditionally vote for SDLP rather than them.

There needs to be unity amongst nationalist and republicans pro GFA and anti GFA, they can't become fragmented like the unionist population, it is this unity that will ensure a united Ireland

We've had the long war - now its time to encourage the catholic population that might be sitting on the fence that a United Ieland is a better proposition than the current assembley, and wait until that majority becomes a reality.

[factual]

Just as the loyalists found in 2005, this kind of violence is self-defeating.

[mutley]

Just as the loyalists found in 2005, this kind of violence is self-defeating.

What is Sinn Feins strategy for a united Ireland Factual?