Price of maintaining Belfast Agreement is eternal vigilance
Recent violence in Northern Ireland confirms peace cannot be taken for granted
DUP leader Arlene Foster and British prime minister Theresa May. “There is no functioning government in Northern Ireland simply because of the failure to implement the Belfast Agreement and subsequent agreements in its wake.” Photograph: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Getty Images
This is shaping up as one of the most dangerous times for the Belfast Agreement since it initially bedded down. It would be all too easy to tear it apart.
The recent attacks on the homes of senior Sinn Féin figures Gerry Adams and Bobby Storey were warning shots about verities that the Troubles would never flare again. There were also clear and troubling signals during several nights of rioting and shots taken at policemen in Derry during the July 12th week.