In 1798 in the North, the United Irish men were composed of Catholic, Presbyterian and Dissenter; in the South a large number of Catholics joined militias loyal to the British Monarchy, the Monaghan Militia is one such example. In this way the republican thirst for freedom was never sectarian, and continues to be non-sectarian.

Fast forward c, 170 years to 1969 and the North was plummeted into a largely sectarian conflict consisting of republican Catholics and loyalist Protestants. Over the previous 170 years this sea-change was invoked by British fiscal policy and interference in Ireland; the British are masters of instigating divide and conquer and an 'us and them' mentality in the countries that they wish to control.

Following the ceasefire and Good Friday Agreement outbursts of sectarianism decreased rapidly, indeed over the last 10 years sectarian attacks have been very rare. However, in the present arena of Brexit and the momentum for Irish Unity we are once again in danger of another series of sectarian skirmishes. This is no fault of any individual activist from both republican and loyalist circles, because the individual is often led by external influences as well as the 'group think' mentality in their respective parties and community groups. But in actual fact, such individuals and groups are often swayed and led by a constant flow of British mainstream media and economic policies.

Now, we also have the problem of mainstream parties, and although they might not be consciously aware, the actions of these parties play directly into the hands of the British agenda of divide and conquer. Parties such as SF and DUP are carving up the working class populous, creating division and planting the 'us and them' mentality into the sub-consciousness of the masses. Amidst the current push for election in Belfast the streets are strewn in green and red white and blue election placards, again instilling the idea of 'us and them' mentality. In reality all sections of the community have the same concerns and suffer the same consequences of a Tory austerity onslaught on the people. Including but not limited to, inadequate welfare reform, a failing health service that is converging towards complete privatization, suicide and drug epidemic and increasing food and housing rates.

The success of mainstream politics hinges on one side pointing the finger at the other, it is always a blame game; this is how they get votes. As such genuine political work to help the people is always hindered and pushed aside. Stormont still lies empty and you will not see a flurry of political activity from the mainstream parties until next year's electioneering. In short, by voting for mainstream parties you are playing directly into the hands of the British agenda, and creating an atmosphere of 'us and them' which will inevitably lead to sectarian outbursts, and an atmosphere of divide and conquer.

We are in a precarious situation, and all communities are at a cross roads, the working class can choose to go left or right or catholic or protestant or move forward together with a secular mindset to create something revolutionary, a socialist republic that caters to all of the people, inclusive and equality for all.

Of course, I am aware that this spiel is just talk and pure idealism on my part, and that it is likely that it will not come to fruition. However, this is also a stark warning to all in so far that if you do not think carefully about the reality of the situation, we will be once again plummeted into an atmosphere of sectarianism and the likelihood of another skirmish between the 'us and them' communities. Nobody wants this but who am I to make a difference, I am just a lone voice; there must be a collective demand and desire for revolutionary change from the people. The tragic paradox is that things have to get worse before such a collective desire for revolutionary change can happen.

Thanks.

Gowain Reid Patrick McKenna,

M.Phil. M.Sc B.Eng (Hons)