A New Ireland? Is it possible?

North and South, Ireland is a shambles. The political class are in crisis, totally lacking in legitimacy. Why has this happened? And what can we do about it?

forth magazine is participating as a media partner in a series of nationwide debates on the possibility of a New Ireland, staring with “Northern Ireland- democratic future or peace at any price?” at the Belfast Salon.

From media, education and culture to policing and justice, is the duty to promote the peace corrupting public life in NI? Have government and political structures simply been co-opted as mechanisms for conflict management? What are the implications for building a dynamic, democratic future? Is the obsession with keeping the Executive afloat distracting us from the potential to imagine, let alone build a dynamic, democratic future? As recession begins to bit and already threadbare public services face savage cuts, has the tie come to accept that devolution is no longer viable- a ‘luxury none of us can afford?
Jason Walsh (editor forth.ie) and Owen Polley (freelance journalist and blogger) discuss the future of government in NI in the context of on going political crisis.

Date: Tuesday 16 February, 7-9 pm
Venue: Belfast Exposed gallery, 23 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2F

Find out more: BelfastSalon.org