Northern Ireland faces uncertain future – Terrorist group examines Biden ceasefire vote ahead of US general election

Northern Ireland faces an uncertain future after failed attempts to form a new government. As the “Belfast Telegraph” newspaper reported on Sunday, the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force) protestant militia are looking to review the basis for their announced ceasefire. The terrorist group, like other paramilitary groups – including the Catholic opponents – laid down their arms years ago, but is still active in, for example, the drug trade.

In Northern Ireland, Protestants – who want to stay with Britain – and Catholics – who want reunification with the Republic of Ireland – have been fighting each other for decades. More than 3,500 people died in the conflict. The civil war ended in 1998 with the so-called Good Friday Agreement. It ensures that the strongest parties from both camps form a government together. However, all talks about this in recent months have failed.

To this day, the Protestant DUP refuses to cooperate with the Catholic party Sinn Fein, which emerged as the strongest party in the recent elections in May. As an ultimatum, the DUP is demanding the lifting of special Brexit rules for Northern Ireland, which the UK and the EU had agreed upon. Because there was no agreement on Friday against the expiry of a deadline, the British government now wants to call new elections. However, there is no date for this yet.

Politicians from both sides criticized the decision of the British Minister for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris. Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O’Neill accused him of a “bizarre turnaround”. DUP chief Jeffrey Donaldson said London should focus on a solution rather than zigzagging. Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin called for democratic institutions to be restored first. There is currently no government in office. The regional parliament is not functional.

The central government, for its part, threatened MPs with a cut in their salary. “Many people are frustrated with the rising cost of living that MPs do not work but continue to receive full wages,” said Northern Ireland minister Heaton-Harris. (saw/sda/dpa)