The Norn Iron troubles are (mostly) history but their memory lingers on with the symbols of the past-the Union Flags, the Red,White and Blue kerbs, The Red Hand of Ulster, the para military banners, the Irish Tricolor-Tribes with flags indeed as any Middle Eastern region. Most striking are the huge graffiti in the form of vast murals in the Nationalist and Loyalist areas-most notably the Shankill and the Falls. Here you can see two of each.

And the Middle East is indeed represented with the identity of the Palestinian cause with that of the Nationalists and you can find Israeli symbols in some Loyalist areas along the so called Peace Line which is now something of a tourist attraction.

But certainly changed significantly since the days when a tourist found himself in the Falls Road at midnight, Alone and lost. A gun was poked in his back and a voice said ' Catholic or Protestant?' 'I I I I am JJJ Jewish' he stammered 'Well' came the reply' aren't I the luckiest Arab in Belfast!'

And on another occasion the follow up demand was ' Yes. But Catholic Jew or Protestant Jew'

No Neutrals in those days.

And not many now.

(Thankyou Belfast Bloggee for this link:
http://www.gransha-taxi.co.uk/Belfast-airport-taxis.htm )

Labels: Loya\lists and Nationalists, Norn Iron

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