10 yrs ago I researched interface riots for my dissertation. There was a clear finding that if you marginalise sections of society & only listen when they riot, then they’re going to keep rioting. This isn’t a green & orange issue; it’s a ‘we’re a badly run country’ issue!

When whole communities don’t trust those in govt, they turn to paramilitaries & thugs. I mean it’s not rocket science; but those on the hill don’t care as long as things are quiet. Systemic change is the only way we’ll ever get rid of those that exploit disenfranchised youths.

But why would our politicians change the system that they need to keep them in power. Us vs them keeps them in seats; even when they don’t sit in them for years. We can’t celebrate how far we’ve come without acknowledging those communities left behind on both sides of the divide

These are awful times for our country, but they aren’t new. They’re a different level, but it’s working isn’t it?We’re talking about these communities. Let’s ask ourselves what role we all play in a society in which this is the norm. how can we do better, esp at the ballot box!