Last weekend Uncle Arthur had the pleasure of visiting Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland for the wedding of two friends. It was a beautiful day and the entire chain of events; a wonderful wedding service, the marriage of two christians who are 100% right for each other, a superb reception at the Ulster Folk Musem and a hilarious best man's speech all combined to form a memorable and special weekend.
I had never been to Northern Ireland before and was struck by how warm the people are and walking through Belfast and viewing the City Hall and the Harland and Wolfe cranes where images familiar to anyone growng up in the 1970's and 1980's when in UK when in the mainland one primary associated Northern Ireland with the troubles and communities ravaged by sectarian violence.
Earlier in the week, the deal had finally been sealed to pave the way for powersharing between Iain Paisley of the DUP and Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein. To speculate such a prospect, twenty years ago would have been absurd or even be seen as a sick joke. Yet, in the past week we have seen another step in the recent politics of Northern Ireland that has the appearance of a modern-day miracle.
On the Sunday before I left Belfast, Uncle Arthur and a friend took a historical taxi tour of the parts of Belfast that had been associated with this notorious past. The guide a humourus and passionate man named Martin showed us the Shankill Road, Ardoyne, various Loyalist and Republican murals (many of them chilling) and the walls erected hastily that still divide communities. It was an educational experience and in places deeply depressing, yet it is a poignant reminder that the events earlier in the week at Stormont, truly are remarkable.
I wonder if whenever Tony Blair's 'legacy' is assessed whether the work on the peace process will ever feature, but credit must be given to him and John Major for their work, but this pales into significance compared to the endurance and spirit of the majority of the good people in Northern Ireland.
If you are ever in Belfast, ensure you take one of these historical tours.
Contact: Martin - 0771 2673178
www.allirelandtours.com www.belfastcityblacktaxitours.com
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