What's behind Sinn Fein's victory in Northern Ireland? | Inside Story

The political landscape in Northern Ireland has changed.
For the first time, Sinn Fein, which wants to unite all of Ireland, has won the most seats in regional elections.
That's put an end to a century of dominance by Unionists which support the British Crown and constitution.
Now both sides need to agree to form a new government.
But would they agree?
And what does it mean for the future of the United Kingdom?

Presenter: Nastasya Tay


Guests:

Duncan Morrow - Professor of Politics at Ulster University.

Nicholas Whyte - International Affairs Strategist and Senior Director in Brussels for APCO.

Graham Gudgin - Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and a Former Special Adviser to First Minister David Trimble in the Northern Ireland Assembly.


#NorthernIreland #Ireland

[roberthalvey]

As a 55 year old irish person .This election is hopefully the beginning of the end of sectarianism.

[dominicscott]

This woman has done her homework, much more so that most western journalists!

[jebbo-cl]

whatever you think of what is going on atm, lets not forget how much the UK government lied about this. Time after time they promised Brexit wouldn't result in a border in Ireland or the Irish sea, and wouldn't reignite tensions there

[lukabird]

1:39 That is incorrect. Sinn Féin is not the only party active in the North and South. People Before Profit have representatives elected in both and there are several other parties who are active in both

[mickceltic]

ONWARDS TO UNITY AND THE LIBERATION OF OUR PEOPLE ✌️🇮🇪

[michaelfoley]

A border poll ( Referendum ) might take up to 5 years maybe a bit more but it will come and eventually there will be A United Ireland. 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[johndornan]

I seem to remember this “Trimble adviser” declaring, albeit a number of years ago that there was never any religious discrimination in employment in N.Ireland. A patently ridiculous statement, which if memory serves, he tried to excuse by saying he was suffering from influenza, or some other ridiculous excuse. That statement should have precluded him from ever presenting himself as an expert in anything to do with N.Ireland, ever again.

[GillianQuilty]

Dail is pronounced dawl not dale. for future reference.

[ganesharavindh]

CONGRATULATIONS TO SINN FEIN
MAKE IRELAND UNITE AGAIN
I'M FROM INDIA 🇮🇳❤🇮🇪

[Notanothersharedilution]

GO on SF. As William Wallace once famously said (apparently)UNITE THE CLANS.🍀🍀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🇮🇪

[jasonirwin]

🇮🇪☘️ great day for Northern Ireland, and all of Ireland

[flowrust]

This brings me great joy. I hope that one day Ireland will be strong and united. Glory to the heroes who died for this cause!

[waggafletcher]

I have long been deeply fascinated with the history, politics and demographics of Northern Ireland.
Very good insight. Thanks Al Jazeera.

[abmong]

Brexit really messed things up. How can the UK argue Scotland and Northern Ireland should remain in the UK when those countries perhaps want to be part of a bigger Union, i.e. the EU. Why be part of a smaller Union when they could be part of a bigger one, and with countries who didn't historically treat them as 2nd class citizens.

[barrykevin]

People just sick of the DUP ( unionists) saying No and not able to agree on Anything. I don't vote SF but applaud them on their victory. A lot better than DUP .

[nickyhenderson]

Long Long Long way before there is ever a United Ireland. It is another move in the right direction, and I pray I live long enough to see the day, when Ireland is one.

[petertiang]

Northern Ireland should secede from the English rule. Support their Freedom !

[adamgarcia]

Freedom for NI, enough is enough. As a british man, I do not like injustice and occupying other people's land.

[jackthelad]

Bobby Sands is smiling down, "Our revenge will be the laughter of our children" 🍀🇮🇪

[lexi-et]

"It's s Called Democracy "🇮🇪