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France 24
France 24
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Tipping point for Northern Ireland? Unionists brace for first-ever loss in assembly elections

THE DEBATE © France 24

Is it a sign that Northern Ireland is ready to overcome old divides, or of new troubles ahead? For the first time ever, Unionists could find themselves in the minority when ballots are counted in regional assembly elections. Under the Good Friday Agreement, the DUP would still share power with Sinn Fein, who could trigger a referendum on a united Ireland.

Republicans insist that they are in no hurry. They have put bread and butter issues over sectarian politics in this campaign, in part because a growing portion of voters grew up after the Troubles and do not identify with either camp. We ask about the issues that matter in a province that voted to remain in the EU, and whether post-Brexit trade borders could revive old wounds or present new challenges.

And what about London, where a prime minister dogged by scandal has threatened to go back on the deal signed with Brussels? How much has Northern Ireland changed, and how fast is it changing still?

Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Juliette Laurain and Imen Mellaz.

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