Jason O’Mahony - http://jasonomahony.ie/beware-the-new-fascism-you-might-not-even-recognise-it/ – has a superb cautionary note which is ultimately about the collapse of Western Democracy.
I would not, perhaps, have used the word “fascism” but I understand his point completely. Northern Ireland is far from unique in having governing parties who justify anything – including blatant breakdowns in the Rule of Law – to remain in power (and justify remaining in power solely on the grounds of stopping others having it).
I have long cautioned here that what began in 2007 was not an economic collapse but a democratic collapse. Mediterranean countries have led the way, but what is to stop everyone else following?
You are far too pessimistic! Mediterranian countries are far more volatile than we are. Could it be they are not fully civilised yet? Cuturally behind? Fundamentalist Muslims/Islam? They will come around eventually. Cutting peoples heads, arms, and legs off will not be a lasting phase! Within Northern Ireland, well, look at the Peace Agreement. Only the PIRA and Sinn Fein were allowed to bargain, the rest of the Republican Movement was left outside. That is one reason we now have a resurgence of violence. Trimble was bamboozled into agreeing terms that really didn’t suit many of us, which is why we now have such problems over flag flying and such. Blair and Labour bounced us into terms we should never have agreed to. Lessons do have to be learnt, and I am confident that in the long term they will be. Enjoy your half empty glass of whatever!!
Northern Ireland is like one big pie. For many years a large part of its population were not given their fair share. Since the Peace process we have tried to distribute the Pie equally and this has caused unrest and has highlighted the bigotry that is still deep in the roots of unionism/loyalism.
Given 1 nationalist vote > 1 unionist vote since 1999 I’m not sure why it took you 8 years to begin arguing the case for a democratic failure: the Executive structure as it stands is inherently undemocratic.
But hey, so long as the status quo allows Alliance to wield a disproportional say in things no complaints from yourself right?
Eh? The Alliance Party’s “Agenda for Democracy” document dates from 2004.
That would be the same document your Nationalist friends outright rejected!
So ask yourself the question, not me!