nationalists win an election for the first time

For the first time in Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein, a nationalist party, won an election and took over the government. “This is a crucial moment for our political life and our people”, assures Michelle O’Neill, vice-president of Sinn Fein. Since its creation in 1921, Northern Ireland had been ruled by Unionists, supporters of belonging to the United Kingdom. The nationalists propose them a referendum to merge with the Republic of Ireland.

Until 1998, the civil war between unionist Protestants and nationalist Catholics caused 3,500 deaths. In some cities, divisions persist. For many, the clashes could no longer take place, since the question of identity is less central. The country’s third force is the Alliance party, which does not take a position on reunification. “Today’s vote for our party shows that people want more than that”says Naomi Long, leader of the Alliance party.