The Irish Republican Army (IRA) was a paramilitary organization that fought for the unification of Ireland and the end of British rule in Northern Ireland. The group was active for over 30 years, during which time it carried out numerous bombings, assassinations, and other violent acts. However, in 2005, the IRA announced that it was ending its armed campaign and would pursue its goals through peaceful means. This marked a significant turning point in the history of Northern Ireland and has had far-reaching implications for policy in the region.
One of the most significant changes that has occurred in the post-IRA world is the shift towards a more inclusive political system. Prior to the IRA’s ceasefire, Northern Ireland was deeply divided along sectarian lines, with Catholics and Protestants living largely separate lives and political power concentrated in the hands of a small Protestant elite. However, since the end of the Troubles, there has been a concerted effort to create a more representative and inclusive political system.
This has been achieved through a number of measures, including the establishment of power-sharing arrangements between the main political parties in Northern Ireland. Under these arrangements, the two largest parties – Sinn Fein (which has links to the IRA) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) – share power in a joint executive. This has helped to ensure that both communities are represented in government and that decisions are made through consensus rather than by one side imposing its will on the other.
Another important development in the post-IRA world has been the increased emphasis on economic development and job creation. During the Troubles, Northern Ireland was seen as a high-risk area for investment, with many companies reluctant to set up operations there due to the threat of violence. However, since the end of the conflict, there has been a concerted effort to attract investment and create jobs in the region.
This has been achieved through a number of measures, including tax breaks for businesses that invest in Northern Ireland, the establishment of enterprise zones in areas of high unemployment, and the promotion of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination. These efforts have been largely successful, with Northern Ireland’s economy growing at a faster rate than the rest of the UK in recent years.
However, there are still significant challenges facing Northern Ireland in the post-IRA world. One of the biggest of these is the ongoing issue of sectarianism and the legacy of the Troubles. While the power-sharing arrangements have helped to create a more inclusive political system, there are still deep divisions between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, and there is a risk that these could flare up again if not properly addressed.
Another challenge is the issue of paramilitarism. While the IRA has officially disbanded, there are still a number of other paramilitary groups operating in Northern Ireland, many of which are involved in criminal activity such as drug trafficking and extortion. These groups pose a threat to the stability of the region and must be dealt with effectively if Northern Ireland is to continue on its path towards peace and prosperity.
In conclusion, the post-IRA world has brought significant changes to Northern Ireland, including a more inclusive political system and increased economic development. However, there are still significant challenges facing the region, including sectarianism and paramilitarism. It is important that policymakers continue to work towards addressing these issues and building a stable and prosperous future for Northern Ireland.
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- Source: https://zephyrnet.com/the-race-is-on-policy-in-a-post-ira-world/