Why Eurovision?

We have all heard the oft quoted model of Northern Ireland's successful peace deal being used as a shining example to all other divided societies. For those of us who upon hearing this choke on our Twinnings and find it hard to swallow (in more ways than one), the disgraceful acts of dissident republicans in recent weeks have vindicated what we have long been thinking - the peace here is fragile. It is a peace without reconciliation but I'll save spouting on that issue for another day.

Undoubtedly the north has learned valuable lessons on the long road to this fragile peace - lessons which can, and have been shared with other countries. Power-sharing and a commitment to negotiating with all political parties (even those deemed to be the 'political' wing of a paramilitary group which back in the 1990's was a major precedent to set) are among the lofty ideals formulated by the main players in the 'peace process.' (Should this be trademarked I wonder?)

We all know these main players,, but who'd have thought the Eurovision song contest and Irish celebrity Linda Martin would be keeping company with George Mitchell, Bill Clinton et al as forward thinking sources of inspiration and reconciliation?

Recent controversy surrounding Israel's 2009 Eurovision entry (http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/world/7948494.stm) is proof positive of the depth of feeling over identity that has always been a central issue in the Middle East conflict.

These identity problems, which have existed since the formation of the NI state in 1921, and still exist today in Northern Ireland are a major issue in the existence of this peace without reconciliation referred to earlier.

It seems however, such difficulties were dealt with easily in the 1990's when Linda Martin, a Protestant from Belfast via Omagh, took to the stage under the green white and gold singing 'Why me?' and winning the Eurovision for Ireland.

I assume the title of the song was not a lament at being chosen to represent a country which at the time still laid claim to the north in their constitution.

The year she won was 1992. It was the same year a PIRA land mine killed eight Protestant civilians at Teebane Crossroads near Cookstown and British agent Brian Nelson revealed the extent of security force collusion in his undercover activities within the UDA. Yet the sight of a northern Protestant singing for the Republic didn't attract the controversy the Mira Awad has.

Of course to compare the two as if identical would be wrong (don't get me started on my problems with comparative politics.) But if people insist on holding Northern Ireland up as a bastion of all thing peaceful and wholesome as an example to others, Linda Martin must be applauded for her brave steps towards reconciliation, ahem. Just a pity about the hair.



Sorry to begin this blog with two back to back entries on Palestinian(ish) related stories - there'll be more diversity in the future...maybe.