Political, economical, and cultural interactions in Northern Ireland

Population divide 

Unionist majority in the north, Nationalist majority in the south. Government of Ireland Act 1920 divided the two states. 

1922 Catholic Power 

Limited political interaction between the two infant states. Unionists used gerrymandering techniques to remain in power. 

Gerrymandering 

A system of rigging electoral boundaries to ensure success of a certain party. This kept Catholic votes marginalised and powerless. 

Civil rights

Nationalist Catholics organised civil rights marches in protest against sectarianism, 1960s. These often turned violent due to backlash from Protestant communities/ RUC forces.

Good Friday agreement 1998

Three strands, internal agreements regarding power sharing, north and south political co-operation, co-operation between all three states.

‘The troubles’

Lasted more than 30 years. Led to little interaction between North and south states.

Cultural interactions- The GAA

Prominent in all 32 counties but once degraded to be a Catholic sport. Associated with recruitment to the IRA. 2001 lifted the ban on British soldiers playing GAA.

Irish rugby/boxing

Composed of all-Island athletes, encouraging inclusivity

Soccer

Divisions of Northern Irish/Republic of Ireland teams can cause controversy, e.g. James McClean

Education

Two different systems, GCSE NI, LCE/LCA ROI.

Religious interaction 

Limited since Troubles. Anglican, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic churches have an All-Ireland structure, encourages inclusivity and forgiveness. 

Economic Interactions 1922-1973

Limited interaction between 1922 and 1973 due to custom posts imposing tariffs and levies along border. Led to heightened sense of division.

Protectionalism

Irish Protectionalist policies between 1930-50 divided states economically. Taxed imports to protect domestic industry from competition.

NI Industry 

Strong traditional industry in Northern Ireland like textiles and ship-building meant little to no trade was needed. 

Decline/growth

NI decline and ROI growth in 1950/60s.

Good Friday Agreement economy

Brought economic stability. Inter Trade Ireland manages and co-ordinates trade and business between NI and ROI.