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Northern Ireland: The willingness to use violence is on the increase again

November 5, 2012

The peace process in Northern Ireland could be facing a setback. The willingness to resort to violence is increasing among both Protestants and Catholics.

https://p.dw.com/p/16czh
People walk past a mural in the largely Protestant area of the Shankill Road area of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Monday Sept. 26, 2005. Disarmament officials presented a confidential report Monday to the British and Irish governments detailing the Irish Republican Army's recent secret handover of its weapons stockpiles, a long-elusive goal of Northern Ireland peacemaking. (ddp images/AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
Image: AP

Many Protestants in Northern Ireland consider themselves the losers in the peace process. They have had to give up privileges and share power with Catholic parties. Protestants are giving vent to their anger with new marches. But the economic crisis is also driving many people to join radical Catholic groups. IRA splinter groups have joined together and are already threatening terrorist attacks.

Sept. 29, 2012 - Belfast, Northern Ireland - Orangemen parade in Belfast for commemorations to mark one of the most significant dates in unionist history. The six-mile march from central Belfast to Stormont will mark the 100th anniversary of the Ulster Covenant, to oppose Home Rule for Ireland in 1912, Saturday September 29, 2012
Image: picture alliance/ZUMA Press