Want to find out more about the Northern Slant team? Each Tuesday we put 10 questions to our community of contributors – about them, their interests and hopes for Northern Ireland’s future. This week we speak to Matthew Jackson. You can follow him on Twitter @matthew_jacko_.

 

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

I’m a native of the border county of Fermanagh and moved to Belfast eight years ago to undertake my undergraduate degree in History at Queen’s University Belfast. My Ph.D. research into representations of the Troubles in Northern Ireland has significantly developed my interest in local politics and the relationship between the past and the contemporary political landscape. I knew Connor Daly (Northern Slant Editor) through a friend and he kindly invited me to join the team. NS has offered me a brilliant platform to bring some of the issues raised in my research to a public audience. Research aside, I am passionate about travelling, playing Gaelic football, and experiencing local food.

 

2. Describe Northern Ireland in 5 words.

Complex, Intriguing, Unearthed-potential, Frustrating, Welcoming.

 

3. What makes you proud to be from here?

I find that wherever you go in the world, people have an affinity with people from the all over the island of Ireland (regardless of creed) and have a genuine desire to visit here. This leaves you with a sense of pride in expressing where you come from. 

4. Are you hopeful for the future?

In short, no. By nature, I’m an optimist. However, the reality in Northern Ireland is that the perpetual state of political deadlock means that opportunities for graduates and others striving to better themselves and the society around them continue to decrease. This, coupled with continued budgetary pressures, means that it is hard to avoid the conclusion which sees this trend continuing into the future.

 

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

Accountability in politics and, of course, the paralyzing system which sees religion and historical experience determine voting patterns, legislative agendas and policy.

 

6. Favourite NI celebrity?

James Nesbitt.

 

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

John Lewis – U.S. politician from the Democratic Party and civil rights champion.

 

8. Favourite place to bring a visitor?

I would have to be biased and say my home county of Fermanagh. The lakelands and historic places of interest make Fermanagh a great place to visit, not to mention its various watering holes, culinary tastes, and characteristic warmth. The Marble Arch Caves and the Cuilcagh Mountain walking trail are well worth a visit.

  Cuilcagh Mountain Legnabrocky Boardwalk Trail. Photo from Matt Dean

 

9. Potato bread or soda bread?

No contest – soda bread.

 

10. Snow Patrol or Van Morrison?

Snow Patrol – I’m hoping for a new album soon.

 

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

Also published on Medium.