How to Promote Peace in Northern Ireland Now

BY: John Bruton

Good Friday Agreement ended Troubles in N. Ireland. Power-sharing pact between DUP and Sinn Féin. Brexit risks agreement.

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Brexit created a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, requiring a deal to avoid conflict.

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Brexit deal included Northern Ireland Protocol, effective Jan 2021. Checks done at NI ports, DUP claims effective border.

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DUP boycotts Stormont, UK signs Windsor Framework for Northern Ireland-UK trade. DUP opposes.

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Stalemate in Northern Ireland politics likely to continue, DUP boycotts Stormont, leaving a void in political life.

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Political vacuum in Northern Ireland risks being filled by undemocratic elements resorting to violence.

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DUP boycott reflects deeper issues. Windsor Framework unlikely to change. UK and EU face global challenges.

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Ulster Unionism faces questions in 2023, as its loyalty to a 1950s UK clashes with a diverse and hyper-globalized reality.

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