Irish Culture

Struggles between different national, cultural, and religious identities became known as “trouble times” in Northern Ireland. The fighting began as far back as 1921, and did not reach an agreement, called the Good Friday Agreement until May 22, 1998. The Protestant’s considers them self British and supports the United Kingdom, or Unionist. While the Catholics, which are in the minority only by 44%, considers thierself to be Irish. The Catholics want a united Ireland and most are nationalist.
“The latest version of “the troubles” in Northern Ireland was sparked in late 1968, when a civil rights movement was launched mostly by Catholics, who had long faced discrimination in areas such as electoral rights, housing, and employment. This civil rights movement was met with violence by extreme unionists and the police, which in turn prompted armed action by nationalists and republicans. Increasing chaos and escalating violence led the UK government to deploy the British Army on the streets of Northern Ireland in 1969 and to impose direct rule from London in 1972.” (Archick, 2013)
Trying to come to a resolution in Northern Ireland the government signed the peace treaty known as the Good Friday Agreement, it transfer the power from London to Belfast where the two parties, Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee, or the Nationalist and Unionist would share power.

Reference

Archick, K. (2013). Northern Ireland: The peace process. Retrieved from http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS21333.pdf
BBC News. Northern Ireland: The peace process. Retrieved from BBC News. (2006, January 27). Retrieved from