Desire for Peace

With Irish peace talks in progress at this time, it seemed appropriate to discuss a little of what it's all about. How did "the Troubles" start? What are the Troubles? Who started it? Who is right and who is wrong? I will not attempt to answer the questions of who started it or who is right, because there are strong feelings on all sides. The hatred and anger run deep, going back centuries to when peasants shed their blood, even lost their lives in battle to win more land for nobles who might or might not care about them. This was mostly the case on both sides. But the hatred took root, and remains to this day.

"The Troubles" is the term used to refer to the turbulence and unrest that has been the norm in Northern Ireland, and which culminated in 1969, and lasted until the Good Friday agreement of 1998 to 2000. To most of the outside world, the "Irish Problem" has been a Catholic/Protestant discord, thus appearing to be a religious battle. Although religion has for centuries played into the fight, it is far more than a doctrinal difference. One side wants to unite all of Ireland, another wants Northern Ireland to remain separate and ruled from London.

To count the number of deaths through the centuries over the Anglo-Irish relations issue would be an impossible task. However, since the start of "The Troubles" in 1969 alone, 3466 people have died in the violence perpetuated by both sides. That is the figure of known deaths. What is saddest about this number is that more civilian lives have been lost in this conflict than those of the terrorists and soldiers fighting each other. (See link below for chart of deaths.) It is not this author's wish that any should die, but soldiers, and in this case terrorists as well, go into battle knowing they might not come out alive. Innocent civilians, unfortunately, pay the highest price, as is the case in any war. With so much needless bloodshed, one would think an easy agreement could be reached. But it's not so simple. Besides the Catholic/Protestant problem, there are economic issues, cultural identity issues, and so much more.

All sides, I believe, in their heart of hearts ultimately want peace. The present peace is fragile, as can be seen by the continued attempt at negotiations between Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA (Irish Republican Army), and London. Is there hope for peace in Ireland? It is my belief and my experience after a too brief visit to the Republic, that the Irish are a peace loving people. If I had to choose only one word to describe the overall atmosphere of Ireland it would be peaceful. We can only hope and even more so, pray, that those in leadership will be able to do what is best for the people of the whole of Ireland. Although the past cannot be changed, the future can be. Now is the time for peace.

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