A Difficult Difference

In today's world, multiculturalism is no longer a theory, it is a reality that calls into question the rules that govern societies. But what happens when a society divided along sectarian lines starts to become multicultural? Does diversity inflame old tensions or can it offer a blueprint for a bright new future? Northern Ireland has changed. For most, the war is over. Peace has brought prosperity and a measure of political stability. It has also brought record numbers of migrants. But not all newcomers have been met with respect and tolerance. Malicious racist attacks have garnered international headlines, while the North's commitment to the full diversity of its citizens has often been called into question. This is the story of how multicultural agendas have emerged in Northern Ireland, and how sectarianism continues to frustrate new visions for a post-conflict society. Drawing on everything from analysis of anti-racist murals and posters to interviews with politicians, policy makers

Peter Geoghegan is a writer and journalist from Longford. His work has appeared in numerous publications including The Irish Times, The Scotsman, The Irish Examiner and The Sunday Business Post. He holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and is currently the editor of Political Insight magazine.
Jacket photograph: A Romanian woman arrives, under police escort, with her baby girl at a Belfast City Council `emergency holding centre' set up at a leisure centre at Ormeau Park in south Belfast. (Taken 17/6/2009) Photographer: Alan Lewis www.photopressbelfast.co.uk