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 Colin Donaldson who is from NI and now lives in Spain.

 

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

As a Cookstown native it was somewhat of a watershed moment when I decided to venture into far off lands. Well, in reality, my first journey was not all that far as I made the short skip over the Irish sea to Bath in 2010 where I spent one year completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (specialising in Physical Education for those interested). Once this year had elapsed, I returned home briefly. The lack of employment opportunities within the education sector for recent graduates encouraged me to tap into my more adventurous side, so in 2012 I set sail towards much more distant horizons – Valencia, Spain.

Here I have remained. Initially I worked within the strong network of British schools, then transitioned into the world of Higher Education. My passion for all things business resulted in me shifting career focus, completing an online MSc in International Business at the University of Ulster in 2016 and more recently a doctorate in the field of Business Management at the University of Valencia. Currently, I’m employed as a professor of International Business at EDEM University Centre which forms part of the innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem known as “Marina de Empresas” located in the picturesque harbor of the city.

 

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

I like to try to keep up with current affairs back home, however, to be honest it is a struggle. I find it astonishing that certain political parties can, in no uncertain terms, hold a country to ransom. I think it is not unfair to say that we live in a progressive society and one that holds ambition to move forwards. It appears that some parties do not hold the same views – from a humble and distant viewpoint, it seems that they are content to drag us into the past. The question arises, is this something that we really want? Our country has moved forward leaps and bounds, it’s imperative that we don’t allow a rhetoric of division and petty brinkmanship to prevail.

 

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

Extremely. Given that I’m a professor of entrepreneurship, it would be wrong of me not to relish the opportunity that comes with uncertainty.

On Brexit, from whatever angle, there’s no denying that democracy has spoken. What’s required now is a collective optimism and a belief in what we can achieve. This is an increasingly difficult proposition in today’s age of social media in which it’s easy to seek and find confirmation towards the biases and prejudices that we hold. However, this is no excuse for us to transcend into petty squabbles that benefit no one.

I feel that for the health of our democratic system, confidence needs to be reinstalled into the British electorate – this means enacting the decision voters made. It’ll not just help us but also our friends and neighbours in other European nations.

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

Having recently welcomed my first child into the world, I feel it’s very unlikely that I will be making a return any time soon. I have, however, discussed with my wife (a Spanish native who adores “our wee country”) the possibility of sending our son to experience the true beauty Northern Ireland has to offer. She couldn’t get her head around the fact that everyone in Northern Ireland will greet each other even if they don’t have the foggiest idea as to who you are – now that is something special!

With this, I look forward to introducing him to the land that has afforded me so much and I hope it can do the same for him. Who knows, maybe he’ll end up in the famous red of Cookstown Hockey Club or the navy blue of Coagh United.

 

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

Healthy eating. Any time I visit home there is the tendency to fall back into the takeaway culture. Here in Valencia, they are much more astute and conscious of what they consume. I suppose it’s easy here, you visit the local supermarket and the aisles are filled with fresh food and produce. Slowly but surely my mentality is changing; perhaps back home it would be beneficial to do the same. I say this trying to maintain a straight face longing for a “freshly” prepared fish supper (and a portion of onion rings)!

 

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

I don’t think I could impose such a travesty on a country that I love so much. I will leave that for those more experienced and knowledgeable than I. Maybe if you gave me the position of minister for sport I would try and boost its stature. We have had so many great sporting achievements and personalities to be proud of! However, let’s try to increase the importance of sport at the local level and recognition of the endless work that so many individuals do for so little reward.

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

Northern Slant provides a fresh and unbiased perspective on current affairs. I would be happy if they continued doing the fine work that they do (perhaps with a little bit more of an international outlook for us “guiris” (a term used to denote foreigners living in Spain, you know those with the speedos, white socks, and flip flops). They really are a credit to modern reporting that seems to suffer from the illness of self-importance and self-righteousness.

 

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

It is safe to say that I have become disillusioned with the whole political scene, so it is difficult to find response. Also, who would foot the bill? I think I would prefer to spend the time with family and friends – much more productive! However, I feel that it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t mention Councillor Trevor Wilson of the UUP. He has done so much for the Cookstown district, so I think he deserves a pint!

9. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” Winston Churchill

 

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

As a society we have progressed a great deal over the last number of decades recognising that life extends beyond mere political divides. We need to look beyond the political divides and rhetoric that confines us and recognise the important issues that actually impact all of our society. I think we need to pack up our troubles in our old kit bags and begin to smile again!