In the latest of our Northern Roots series, where we speak to people originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere – or vice versa – our interviewee is Colum Mackey in London. You can follow him on Twitter at @ColumMackey.

 

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

I’m originally from Burren, a small country village, just outside Newry in County Down. When I finished my A-Levels at the Abbey Grammar I left for the “bright lights” of Belfast where I studied law at Ulster University. My 3 years turned into 3 more when I was elected as Vice-President and later President of Ulster University Students’ Union.

I’ll always look back fondly at my time at Ulster but I wanted a change and had always talked about moving to London. It’s not so far that a weekend at home becomes impractical and, having never been gifted at foreign languages, most European cities were off the cards.

I’ve just started a new role working as a Student Adviser in the University of the Arts SU. My time as an Officer led me to the conclusion that I wanted to work in a value-led organisation. The creativity and energy of the University really appeal to me and I’m excited to get started.

 

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

I read a lot in the news and have quite a few friends on Twitter who keep a running commentary on the political happenings so I don’t miss much on that front. If this was your only perspective on NI then it paints a grim picture but I know that there is so much good going on that doesn’t make the national press. The local businesses, festivals, the work of the universities and the community activities are a reminder of that despite the political stalemate NI is not standing still.

 

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

I find myself talking about NI and its prospects more now that I’ve moved away than I probably did at home. With the rise of the DUP in national discourse and the Irish border question a hot topic there’s a renewed fascination with the all too often forgotten Northern Ireland.

Am I hopeful? Yes, absolutely. I was lucky to get to know lots of inspirational people making a difference in their communities every day. These people and their collective effort are what transformed NI to the community we see today and who will drive the transformations of tomorrow. Political impasse and deep-rooted issues aside, these people are the country’s future.

Whilst I didn’t vote for it I think we’ll do our best to make a job of it, like it or lump it Brexit will more than likely come to pass. Sometimes I think I’d be more hopeful if our devolved institutions were up and running and able to advocate on our behalf… there are other times, given the juxtaposition of the DUP and Sinn Féin on Brexit, I wonder how much good they would actually do.

 

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

I’ll always have a certain draw back to NI, I’ve lots of friends and family there. When I’ll return…I’ve no idea. Like making the decision to move away in the first instance, moving back won’t happen unless I make it happen but I’m not ready to think about that just yet.

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

I notice when I go home how quiet Newry and Belfast are in the evenings and at the weekends. In London, the city comes alive with events, street performers and quirky pop ups. There is so much talent about and so many people trying to do more by way of arts and cultural events, I’ve seen a step change in the past 5 years and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next 5 have to offer.

I was home recently over the Easter break and I was struck by how friendly it is. It seems a bit strange since I haven’t been gone that long but people really do live up to the stereotype. I think it’s easy to take it for granted when you’re in and amongst it. In this respect, I think London could learn a lesson or two from NI.

 

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

There are so many issues that need tackled but if I weren’t constrained by budgets I’d start some major infrastructure projects. In particular, an upgrade and expansion of the rail network. There is a clear need, at least for me, for a train directly to Belfast City, Belfast International and Derry City airports.

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

I think the Northern Slant is doing a great job but I’d love to see some more digital content, perhaps turning these into video interviews.

 

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

At the 20th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, there are so many influential figures from past and present whose perspective would be interesting to hear but I’ve picked out 3.

Mo Mowlam, former Secretary of State for NI. There has been a lot in the media recently about her contribution to the GFA and how a lot of the anniversary commentary has whitewashed her contributions. She was outspoken throughout her tenure and I’m sure if she were still around today she’d have plenty to say. To hear another perspective from a woman on the inside of the peace agreement would be fascinating.

Arlene Foster, former First Minister, since she led her party in the brokering of the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Conservatives the DUP have raised their profile in the mainland. Since I’ve moved to London a lot of conversations have eventually turned to the DUP, their rise in national politics, their involvement with the renewable heat incentive, their hard-line stances on marriage equality and some of their more outspoken representatives. It’d be interesting to hear about these directly from her. That being said, if her recent testimony at the RHI Inquiry was anything to go by she may not have much to say.

John Hume, co-founder of the SDLP and Nobel Peace Prize winner. His involvement in driving the civil right movement in NI and his contribution in brokering the GFA has rightly earned him a place in history. Despite his deterioration in health I’d be intrigued to hear his reflections on the GFA at 20.

 

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

“It’s not what you know that gets you into trouble, it’s what you think you know that just ain’t so.”

This is a quote I heard a few years back and one which is defiantly worth sticking too, especially in an age of ‘fake news’ and unscrupulous social media posts.

 

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

I’m not sure I’ve much wisdom to impart, I think the people of NI are doing a great job and getting on with improving NI on the ground. If there was a message for anyone it would be for the political parties of NI to get back to work and form an Executive.

Also published on Medium.