There are sometimes moments in life, which are not easy to describe or define. Although some of these moments leave a permanent trace in our lives, it is hard to express our views, feelings and “internal transformation”. We might have read several books in relation to a particular topic, however seeing something in reality often changes our perspective or perceptions of places and/ or people.
I am convinced that visiting Belfast and Northern Ireland (13th – 14th May) will stay with me for many months. Belfast has a great vibe; good Universities, plenty of international students, many parks, a lovely city centre or incredibly powerful Crumlin Road Gaol Museum. The capital city of Northern Ireland is quite very special and unique.
I thought I “knew Belfast”. Reading a few books about the history of Northern Ireland was pretty informative, however driving through certain parts of Belfast was breath-taking. I felt stunned and speechless on quite a few occasions. On the way to Newcastle and County Down, I noticed small villages, literally next to each other, full of either British or Irish flags. “Political and historical separation” was strongly felt during our trip. In many ways, I was lucky as I was visiting Northern Ireland a week or so after the coronation of Charles III and ahead of the Local Elections.
Belfast itself was spectacular. Murals, paintings, Peace Wall, barracks are only a few examples of a “divided city”. Although there are clear signs of pain and suffering of this lovely place and its people, the extraordinary efforts to find a peaceful solution in most challenging circumstances are equally, if not more, powerful. Northern Ireland went through so much. The healing hasn’t ended but I hope that the process of reconciliation and growth will continue to positively impact many lives.
Belfast was an inspiring, incredible, difficult at times, history, political and life lesson. Maybe because of its past and desire from a wide range of groups and communities to build “better tomorrow”, the whole experience will stay with me for a long time. I know that Belfast has just gained one new “Ambassador”. Thank you.
* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.
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3 Comments
I have only visited Northern Ireland once. In March 2018 I led a delegation from the Conservative Muslim Forum’s Executive Committee on a four day trip. I put a write up on the CMF website at the link below:
https://www.conservativemuslimforum.org/cmf-executive-visits-northern-ireland/
Very briefly, Northern Ireland is still deeply divided along sectarian lines. One thing that will help is non-sectarian parties such as the Liberal Democrats, as well as the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, doing more to establish themselves there.
@Mohammed Amin
The LDs shouldn’t need to – we have a sister relationship with the Alliance Party don’t we?
Exactly. There are Northern Ireland branches of us, Labour, and the Conservatives – it’s not quite right to say all three are non-sectarian. We don’t stand in favour of our sister party Alliance (a non-sectarian party). Labour stand down in favour of the SDLP (a Nationalist party). The Conservatives do stand a small number of candidates, but are a very minor party at best and associated with Unionist voters.
Getting back to Belfast and Northern Ireland in general, I love the place and have visited many times. It’s been amazing to see the transformation as a result of the GFA, and it’s been heartbreaking seeing the rise in sectarianism and turmoil in the wake of Brexit.