The Middle Way: An Alternative Future For Northern Ireland

In Buddhism, the tale of the Buddha Siddhattha Gotama, explains that he was born into royalty and spent much of his early life living in luxury. Realising that his lifestyle was superficial, he went out into the world and became a monk. He spent several years following a harsh lifestyle, starving himself almost to the point of death and living a very deprived existence. After some time, he realised that the two excesses luxury and proverty were not viable. The Buddha did not experience true enlightenment until he defined a middle way: by being starved, he was too weak to live; by being pampered, his mind was dulled.

But what does this have to do with the political situation in Northern Ireland, you ask?

Well, if we accept that Northern Ireland is divided by two ideological extremes (Nationalism versus Unionism), let’s simplify the ’situation’ as I see it:

1. The population are overwhelmingly governed or led by a small number of polarised political parties. While many of our politicians rave about their electoral mandate, it’s my belief that they control public opinion through very strong use of propaganda: graffitti, wall murals, media appearances.
2. The same political ‘personalities’ have presided in Northern Ireland throughout the majority of the troubles. These people have carved careers out of conflict - do you seriously believe they have any interest in lasting peace?
3. You cannot marry two deeply divided ideologies. This was blatantly obvious during the most recent power-sharing: issues which should have been about governing Northern Ireland were wrapped up in political point-scoring for Nationalism or Unionism.
4. The general acceptance that our politicians are ‘in bed’ with terror groups casts a permanent shadow over Northern Ireland.

My ultimate point is that after almost 40 years of conflict and unrest, the partisan model hasn’t proved successful. The politicians we entrust our futures to are media animals now, craving attention in an endless array of peace process ‘crises’ and ‘breakdowns’. They’re bloated on power and really, just how effective have they been?

Who do we have to thank for the looming water charges in Northern Ireland that threaten to cripple our household economies? The British Government? Get real. The British Government/Northern Ireland Office (NIO) were only able to bring on water charges because the local policitans dropped the ball. That’s right, while they were busy arguing Nationalist/Unionist, Stormont gets suspended and the NIO are in charge. Let’s face it, if they were playing real politics, this wouldn’t have happened. Thanks guys!

Back to Buddha and the middle way. I propose that it’s time we got real. Divisive politics don’t work. Nationalism and Unionism won’t be cosying up in bed anytime soon. I propose we just accept what we’ve got: a Northern Ireland where dual nationality is available to every citizen, and where we all know where we stand. Devolution works. The Scots and the Welsh are getting on with business, so why can’t we?

I’d love the voting public in Northern Ireland to wipe the slate clean. Give two fingers to the politicians who’ve been prolonging this conflict. We just need a party to rise up with the right ethos. The problem is, how can a middle ground Northern Ireland Party gain media exposure without a private army in tow?

An all-Northern Ireland Party would say one thing very clearly: we’re all in this together, so let’s forget about the past and get on with business!