A silence descended upon 12,000 people, flags held in their hands in anticipation, with any utterance of noise receiving a universal ‘Shhh’. The ball slotted through the Ravenhill posts and a new powerhouse of European rugby sealed another win. The stadium in the east of Belfast erupted in applause, flags were waved; Ulster flags, Northern Irish flags, and a few ironically held South African ones to acknowledge the special contribution of the Springbok imports. There was no Union flag in sight. This crowd was here despite the road blocks, despite the trouble in the past weeks. There was no hint of the violence which was taking place a mile away. Then the tannoy squeaked on, telling us that the police advised we avoid the Lower Newtownards road. There, a very different side to contemporary Belfast was on show.

Water cannons battled with 300 rioters, carrying bottles, bricks and flags. Fire erupted in spurts as petrol bombs landed, while police stood stoically, holding their ground, and absorbing the violence. Nationalists say the police are too lenient while loyalists claim brutality. Over 100 police have been injured as a result of the ‘protests’.

Two thirds of those arrested are under 21. Community leaders say they are boys addicted to the feeling of bravado, being the ‘hard lad’; the boys from East Belfast, fighting for their flag, for their estate.  They feel like gangsters, they’re thugs, with stones and petrol wrapped in glass, exploding in flames. There’s no hope in education because they’ve no interest in it. There’s only the beat that shakes their heart, captured and inflamed by the tribalism and adrenaline, as the Protestant blood courses and forces their passions. They feel at war underneath the orange glow of the street lights. It’s recreational rioting and it’s a disgrace to the city of Belfast and all who live there. 

Six weeks ago, Belfast City Council voted by a majority to only fly the Union flag on 18 designated days rather than all year round. This was the implementation of a compromise proposed by the Equality Commission and supported by the middle ground Alliance political party. Outside, stood a thousand protesters (a conservative estimate). They felt abandoned, like their identity was being taken. The economy is struggling, youth employment is “devastatingly high” and working class Protestant boys are the worst performers at school. Now their flag is taken. The news of the council’s decision reached them. Some of the crowd began to attack and the children amongst the protestors ran for cover.

Mainstream Unionist politicians had been stoking the fire for weeks, and now they stand back in shock staring at the flames. For me, some blame lies with the major unionist party (DUP). It seemed they felt the way to represent Loyalists was through archaic rhetoric, rather than investment in schooling and in jobs.

Yet, at the same time, it was a vote which shouldn’t have taken place. A vote on whether the Union flag should fly is incredibly emotive in this part of the world and it made no sense for it to be addressed weeks before Christmas. The impact is a devastating drop in income for Belfast business at a time when a boost is desperately needed.  The vote itself was nothing short of a political game played out by the two major parties desperate to revitalise their electoral base with what they knew to be an emotive issue. It’s proved costly, hurting our image abroad and our economy. 

The majority are fed up with the disruption and violence, regardless of whether they feel the flag should still fly. I’m exasperated by the damage done to the image of Northern Ireland by the actions  of a small proportion of a population of only 1.8 million. All of us can’t be condemned, as the resolve, forgiveness and openheartedness of ordinary Northern Irish is extraordinary. To emerge from the Troubles takes incredible strength and resolve. But we did it.  The majority demanded a return to peace and a shared future and some politicians with foresight led the way. Some are too embittered from those dark days to invest, to forgive. But this should not detract from the extraordinary might of those on both sides of the fence who did.

Northern Ireland has changed. It’s safe, beautiful, friendly and vibrant. Anyone who visits will tell you the same. Peace is assured but togetherness across the country still requires many more years of dedication. My heart rests in this complex but beautiful wee country, and I’m proud for it to do so.