10 Years of Change

AnPhoblachtAbú

In 1998 I was just 12 years old. Yet like many of my friends and peer group, I knew something momentous was happening. We may not have understood the fine detail of a deal which would provide such great political opportunity, and drama, in the years ahead; but we did know something was changing.

We knew there was huge hope in our community for peace, for equality and for a path to a united Ireland. Even at such a young age we had some understanding of the politics of the time. I suppose in the backdrop of things like the Garvaghy Road, and the Orange Order’s insistence on triumphantly forcing a parade through a nationalist community, it’s easy to see how a child can become easily politicised. Even a child can see a community under siege.

I remember thinking at the time and in the aftermath, as my understanding increased, “what does this agreement mean?”

As I became a bit older I began to realise what it meant to me at least. It meant change. It still means change, and the opportunity for further change.

The Agreement meant that all the concerns, problems and issues that come from our community could no longer be brushed under the carpet. Whether it was the release of political prisoners, parades, policing or the Irish Language, the concerns of the nationalist community must now be treated with the respect they are due.

Even if it is a battle a day, we must fight to ensure that all communities are treated on the basis of equality. One thing is certain though, the ‘Fenians’ will never be ‘put in their place’ again.

Needless to say, the Agreement predictably ran into trouble over the years. Up-down, suspension, banned ministers, so called ‘spy-rings’, ‘robberies’, arms issues, allegation after allegation, policing….. Yet despite all this we sit in 2008 with a power sharing executive in the north, secure and expanding All-Ireland institutions and are in the process of changing the face of policing and justice in this island forever.

Problems are likely to continue to arise, as our opponents continue to make it difficult for us and knock our project off course. So we must continue with our efforts and our determination and never take our eyes off the prize.

10 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, I think we our knocking on the door of freedom. I think re-unification is within our grasp. Many people had and still have problems with the Agreement. But it is not a settlement. In my view our struggle is no longer about maintaining the flame, or continuing the fight. It is now about completion.

To me the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement is not a stepping stone to a united Ireland; it’s the final stepping stone.