What problems will need to be overcome to find a lasting solution to the Irish problem?
The conflict in Northern Ireland stems from the fact that there are two distinct traditions among the population, one Protestant the other Catholic, each of which wants a different political outcome. Broadly speaking many of those who are Catholic are also Nationalist and support the reunification of Ireland, while most of those who are Protestant are also Unionists and wish to see the constitutional link with Britain maintained. There is a deep lack of trust between the two traditions and this is apparent in the attitudes of many politicians in Northern Ireland. Trust is something that is only likely to develop over a very long period of time when the terrorists eventually give up their weapons and learn what democracy is.
