It’s up to the women now!
After decades of wasted opportunities to bring peace to Northern Ireland with mainly men in the leadership roles, the women at last have the power.
Who better, following three years of political stalemate, to pursue the pledge New Decade; New Approach than the women of the North?
They now have three of the most powerful internal political roles in the province.
First Minister Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Naomi Long who will have the vital Justice leadership role, will remember another woman’s tragic death as they follow the “new approach” strategy.
There’s little doubt that the Real IRA murder last year of Lyra McKee shocked all communities in the North.
Her death in a political vacuum was so heartbreaking that disputing politicians were finally spurred to attempt to resolve the crisis.
Any remaining hesitance among the politicians on the road to peace was quickly sorted when angry voters gave them a clear message during the Westminster general election.
The message to resume power-sharing and restore Stormont was not lost on the DUP when they dropped two general election seats and on Sinn Fein which was deprived of a sizable percentage of its core support.
It may be coincidental that the main leaders who emerged from the political mess were three women.
But in history, unexpected coincidence has sometimes been the harbour of hope.
Many will pray that such is the case this time.
It won’t be easy. There’s a report due soon on the cash-for-ash scandal that could seriously test Arlene Foster’s continued leadership.
It could also test Michelle O’Neill’s diplomatic skills.
Whatever the outcome, it was heartening to hear both Foster and O’Neill pledge when they resumed power-sharing at the Stormont to undertake to rebuild public trust and confidence.
While much will be judged in the years ahead on the women who lead Northern Ireland, it’s only fair to now acknowledge the role men played in placing them in power.
Much as I mistrust Boris Johnson and his ministers, credit has to be given to his Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith.
He and the Republic’s Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney played a blinder behind the scenes in talks over Christmas and the New Year that restored power-sharing to the North.
Of course, the road ahead will be difficult. Peace, as everybody in the North knows, doesn’t come easy.
This time, there’s a unique new feature in the political arena.
Women control the way forward.
All we can do is pray they succeed in keeping the shadow of the gun in the long-distant past.
