John Foster / 14 Apr 2023
The End of Northern Ireland
Prospects for Reunification
When it comes to Northern Ireland, it’s hard not to feel like it's still the Ice Age.(...)
Ireland
John Foster / 24 Mar 2023
Buried in the Past
The DUP’s Northern Ireland
“Not all people live in the same now.” Penned by Ernst Bloch to account for the rise of the Nazis, the 1935 truism could just as well apply to today’s Europe.(...)
Josh White / 04 Jan 2021
The Meaning of Brexit
Bonfire of National Illusions
I keep trying to forget about Brexit, but the Leavers won’t let us. Brexiteers are triumphant, though not all of them feel so victorious – despite getting almost everything they wanted. At least the Tories will have to own this failure.(...)
Charlie Bertsch / 29 Oct 2020
New Irish Europe
Fontaines D.C.’s A Hero’s Death
A Hero’s Death is like a favourite shirt, the sort that makes you feel better about your place in the world just by putting it on.(...)
The Battleground / 22 Oct 2020
All About Britain
Brexit and the Irish Question
Brexit will turn out badly. Not just for the United Kingdom. That's a given. But Ireland, too. Including the British-occupied north. (...)
John Foster / 10 Feb 2020
The Rise of Sinn Féin
Ireland’s New Class Politics
Irish politics has always moved in rhythms different to the rest of Europe. Saturday’s election is no exception. (...)
John Foster / 29 Nov 2019
Drop the Guns
Daniel Finn’s One Man’s Terrorist: A Political History of the IRA
Britain's decision to leave the EU has destabilised Northern Ireland. A return to sectarian conflict is one of the most feared consequences of the return of a hard border.(...)
Sean Quinn / 06 Nov 2019
Ireland’s British Hangover
Brexit and What Comes After
“I’ve applied for Irish citizenship.” Pre-Brexit, this would have been amazing to hear in a cut-glass accent by a late-middle-aged upper-class British woman. But Brexit was looming and she didn’t want any hassle commuting to her country home, in France. (...)
Josh Kitto / 20 Sep 2019
The Return of Direct Rule
Northern Ireland and Brexit
Brexit’s fate was always going to be determined by the Irish border. Efforts to limit migration have always ignored the threat it posed. (...)
Josh Kitto / 04 Sep 2019
The United States of Britain
Brexit Means Identity Crisis
How many justices of the UK Supreme Court can you name? It's a flippant question to pose, especially to British politicians and journalists. Chances are, they'll only be able to cite American ones.(...)