Want to find out more about the Northern Slant team? Every week we put 10 questions to our community of contributors – about them, their interests and hopes for Northern Ireland’s future. Today we speak to our Deputy Editor, Jamie Pow. You can follow him on Twitter @jamiepow.

 

1. Tell us about yourself, and why you got involved with Northern Slant.

I’m currently studying for a PhD in Politics at Queen’s University Belfast. I’ve always been interested in current affairs and trying to make sense of what’s going on in the world (emphasis on ‘trying’). I did my Master’s degree in Canada – and was very tempted to stay – but there was something that drew me back to Northern Ireland.

It was during my undergraduate days at Queen’s when my friend Connor Daly first came up with the idea for what has become Northern Slant. I started out writing the odd article now and again, but gradually became more involved as a member of the editorial team. Through my research at Queen’s and through my role at Northern Slant, I want to play my part in moving politics forward in Northern Ireland.

 

2. Describe Northern Ireland in 5 words.

Paradoxical place with real potential.

 

3. What makes you proud to be from here?

I would be tempted to use the same answer again. We have so many complicated quirks and contradictions, some of which can hold us back, but they help make us who we are. People from this part of the world tend to have a quiet sense of determination and a great sense of humour, often self-deprecating. This can be a powerful combination. We really can punch above our collective weight when we put our minds to it. It’s what has helped Northern Ireland move past its darkest times, and it’s why this place has even more potential today.

 

4. Are you hopeful for the future?

I always try to be. As President Obama pointed out in his recent interview with Prince Harry, if you had to choose a time in human history in which you could live, you’d very likely pick today. Of course, the world is a complicated and messy place, but we need to keep some perspective.

A few weeks after the Brexit referendum, I was on a flight from London to Belfast. I was in the window seat, the woman next to me was a retired nurse from County Down, and the man on the aisle seat was a businessman from LA. The three of us ended up chatting, mainly about all the things the American guy should do on his short trip to Belfast. And then he asked us the question, “So what about Brexit?” The woman and I paused, looked at each other, and smiled nervously. By statistical logic, she knew that I probably fit the profile of a Remain supporter; I knew that she fit the demographic profile of a Leave voter. It turned out that the statistical probabilities were spot on. Apprehensive as I think we both were about talking politics at 35,000 feet, it turned out to be a fantastic conversation. She had her reasons for her decision, and I had mine – but we understood where the other was coming from very well. Our American neighbour was intrigued, not least by the warm tone. When we landed and reached the gate, she made sure that I had a lift from the airport.

I was, and remain, uncertain and uncomfortable about where politics might be headed. But that conversation, and others like it, makes me hopeful for the future. As long as people talk (and listen), we can understand each other so much better.

 

5. If you could change one thing about Northern Ireland, what would it be?

I would really like to see ordinary citizens playing a bigger role in decision-making. We’ve had a year without the Assembly and Executive taking decisions, leaving Northern Ireland rudderless and lacking direction. As part of my research at Queen’s I study citizens’ assemblies, and how they might be used to assist politicians whenever politicians can’t reach agreement amongst themselves. The evidence collected so far shows that a lot of people (over 60%) think that a citizens’ assembly would be a good or very good idea as a way of helping us move past political stalemate. That’s a far greater level of enthusiasm than I had been expecting for quite a wacky idea, but I think it reflects a widespread sense of frustration plus a real appetite for doing things differently. Elected politicians would still ultimately be in charge, but the quality of decisions, the nature of the debate, and perhaps even the order of priorities, might be different if politicians opened up much more space for ordinary citizens to be meaningfully involved in decision-making. Democracy is about much more than just elections – it’s about what happens in between them as well.

 

6. Favourite NI celebrity?

Liam Neeson – I think his laid back, down-to-earth personality encapsulates some of the best things about Northern Ireland’s collective spirit. Outside of acting he makes for a great ambassador, whether it’s as an advocate for the Integrated Education Fund or doing a voiceover for a Northern Ireland tourism ad.

 

7. Politician you most admire, from outside Northern Ireland?

Angela Merkel fascinates me. She has managed to perform a remarkable balancing act as German Chancellor, blending strength and compassion, decisiveness and deliberation. She’s not the most exciting politician, but yet it’s that unflashy sense of competence that has defined her leadership. It’s impressive that she’s been able to pull that off for so long.

I also want to mention John Kasich. He’s the Governor of Ohio and was one of the 16 candidates who challenged Donald Trump for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination – and very much as an underdog. His message urging unity and bipartisan cooperation didn’t win him too many votes in 2016, but he still stuck it out until the end. With so much bitter polarisation in America (and plenty of other places), I think we could use more voices of reason like his. So many things are more important than party politics.

 

8. Favourite place to bring a visitor?

I love being a tour guide and doing my best to show off Northern Ireland. The beauty of the North Coast speaks for itself. It’s got so many stunning spots within such close proximity. But I also love taking any friends visiting to Stormont. It’s easily one of the most beautiful parliament buildings in the world, but it usually comes as a bit of a surprise. (Plus, I always like to learn something new on the free public tour!)

 

9. Potato bread or soda bread?

Potato bread – it’s my favourite part of an Ulster Fry.

 

10. Snow Patrol or Van Morrison?

Snow Patrol – looking forward to the new album.

 

You can check out Jamie’s articles for Northern Slant here.

Also published on Medium.