In our Northern Roots series, we speak to readers originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere, or vice versa – or who’ve spent time away from NI. This week’s interviewee is Alex Marchant who was born in Germany but grew up in NI, and spent time away before moving back to Belfast.

 

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

I’m 29 and was born into a mixed background family, of which my Dad was a British solider. Because my family moved around from camp to camp, I was born in a military hospital in Germany. We lived there for 5 years until my parents divorced and my mum returned to Ireland with my brother and me. I grew up in Cookstown, County Tyrone, and left NI to go to university in Liverpool in 2015. I also spent a year in London and eventually moved back to live in Belfast, as I had in the years prior to going to uni. I’m now in my first graduate job here in Belfast, living with my best mate.

 

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

Generally speaking, I think we’ve come a long way and the rejuvenation of Belfast City is inspiring. I feel other trouble-stricken areas of the world could learn a lot from what we’ve achieved. I do feel, however, that some media outlets more than others seem to give a lot of prominence to negative situations, where the majority Irish mentality is neglectfully represented. I also roll my eyes when I see new pieces around particular social issues like same-sex marriage, abortion, etc – I feel our politics are extremely behind the times.

 

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

I am hopeful, yes. I don’t think Brexit impacts my optimism too much. I foresee an economic downturn in certain industries, but I think others will flourish. Saying that, the uncertainty with Brexit is the most prominent factor. I feel NI, and Belfast in particular, has seen some amazing potential which has resulted in it becoming a truly vibrant and exciting place to be.

 

4. What brought you back to NI? Are you happy to be back? How does it differ from when you left before?

Work, friends and family. I’m really happy to be back, I missed it the whole time I was away. Industry has really progressed, and Belfast seems to be a truly multi-cultural city now with so much development.

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

Legalising same-sex marriage and provision for abortion would be my first priorities. I’m not quite sure how I would manage it, but I would re-instate Stormont. I think I’d also facilitate a referendum on a united Ireland.

 

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

I’m not sure if you guys do this already, but pieces around individuals making an impact on their community – champion them and highlight their work!

 

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

Gerry Adams – his tweets are hilarious, and I think he’d make an entertaining dinner guest. Secondly, Arlene Foster. I think I’ll leave it at two, that’s more than enough politicians for one meal!

8. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

I do, but they generally change a lot. I do have the final line of the poem, ‘Invictus’, tattooed which reads, “I am the captain of my soul.”

 

9. Do you plan on staying in NI long term?

I think so, at least for the next three years. I’m unsure if I would settle here with family, etc., but that’s more based on my ambitions rather than the place itself.

 

10. What did you learn from your time abroad that may help or could be incorporated into society here?

Acceptance of people’s culture. Acceptance as a whole – listening to others’ views, hopes and dreams, and realising we all pretty much align as human beings.

 

11. What’s your message for Northern Ireland? 

“Sure, it’ll be grand!”