In the latest of our Northern Roots series, where we speak to people originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere, our interviewee is Connor Daly. Connor is Editor of Northern Slant, is from Armagh and now in London. You can follow him on Twitter @cdaly29.

 

1. Tell us about yourself. When did you leave Northern Ireland, and where did you go? What do you do now?

Originally from Armagh, I moved to Belfast when I finished school to study Politics, then Human Rights, at Queen’s University. I spent two years as Vice President of the Students’ Union there, and a couple more working in financial services and public affairs. I co-founded and edit Northern Slant. I moved from Belfast to London six months ago, working in the aviation industry.

 

2. What do you think when you see the Northern Ireland of today, in the news and on social media?

We often forget how far Northern Ireland has come since 1998, but in 2017 things really seemed to have ground to a halt. Things aren’t helped by the mainstream media clinging on to the opinions of divisive – I’d say deliberately provocative – politicians and commentators from yesteryear, and bringing back on to the agenda this and that past atrocity or controversy. Social media, often reacting to what’s on the TV and radio, reflects the stalemate, the ignorance of the ‘other’ and lack of original political thinking in Northern Ireland. It’s as if there isn’t anything else interesting or exciting going on.

 

3. Are you hopeful for Northern Ireland’s future? Will Brexit make a difference?

I am, and lots of people we’ve interviewed as part of this Northern Roots series are too. At this moment, however, there is a serious lack of political leadership. Love or hate Martin McGuinness, someone like him is massively missed. Even if parties agreed to bring back Stormont tomorrow, beyond any quarrel over an Irish language act or renewable energy scheme allegations, Brexit looks likely to set the political temperature from now on.

 

4. Do you think you will return to Northern Ireland? What could convince you to come back?

It’s very possible, but not right now. I love Armagh, loved Belfast, and despite all the political stalemate stuff, you know, life goes on. But moving to London was my choice. I’m missing the good Guinness, fifteen tray bakes and soda bread, obviously; life and career opportunities are always important. For now, I can’t complain being a 50-minute flight away.

Connor on a visit to Ireland’s north coast.

5. What can Northern Ireland learn from the place you live now?

The importance of having a decent rail network would make a good start! Half of Northern Ireland is without train tracks – it’s outrageous. We talk about Northern Ireland being divided; for such a small place, so many people and towns are divided purely due to poor connectivity. And that’s not Translink’s fault; that’s down to a serious lack of investment in infrastructure.

 

6. If Northern Ireland had a president with sweeping powers, and it was you, what would you do?

It’s a bit odd that I didn’t get making many friends of a different religion until I went to university at the age of 18. I agreed with former DUP First Minister Peter Robinson when he described our education system as a “benign form of apartheid”. I’d provide greater opportunity for parents to choose integrated schooling

As much as I’d like to bring down Northern Ireland’s ‘peace walls’, it’s the concerns of the communities that live by them that keep them there. If the European Union’s funding for peace projects stops, we should ask Westminster to play their part.

Aren’t we supposed to be lowering our corporation tax sometime soon? I’d bring it down to the same level as the Republic of Ireland.

 

7. What would you like to see more of on Northern Slant?

I learn most from Caolán Conroy’s Game of 3 halves sporting column (posted each Friday). I love it when our readers become contributors (if you’re reading this, and would like to get involved, say hello!) Our aim is to reflect what’s going on across Northern Irish society, not just politics; I’d like see more of the arts, and other topics or events that we may not be currently covering.

 

8. If you could ask three Northern Ireland politicians (past or present) to dinner, who would they be? And why?

David Trimble (Former UUP leader, now Lord Trimble): Having signed the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 despite the protests of the DUP, I’d like to hear his thoughts on the state of play within unionism and future of Northern Ireland after Brexit.

Ian Paisley Jnr (DUP MP): He, his father and party protested against David Trimble’s ‘betrayal’ in signing the Agreement. I’d pose the same questions to him, and see how they both get on.

Conor McGinn (Labour MP): Not a Northern Irish politician exactly, but having been born in Newry and being the son of a former Sinn Féin Councillor, I’m sure he’d have an interesting perspective, and questions, to bring to the table.

Newcastle Utd fans, look away now… At a Fulham FC game at their Craven Cottage stadium.

9. Do you have a favourite quote, or mantra?

“Better to define yourself by what you are for, rather than what you are against.” That’s a remark made by my good friend Niall Crozier, during our time involved in student politics at Queen’s. The same can be said for any political or social situation we find ourselves in.

 

10. What’s your message for people back home?

Just that: define yourself by what you’re for, not what you’re against. Despite some high-profile and symbolic moves made by political leaders in recent years, the processes of reconciliation and reaching out to the ‘other’ seem to have stalled. Being more confident in ourselves and our own identities, whilst having respect for those of others, isn’t too much to ask.

Also published on Medium.