I've heard it suggested that the main force that has driven stabilisation/normalisation of the sectarian issues in Northern Ireland is economic boom (driven, as everywhere, by house prices) rather than anything more mundate or political.

If this is the case, won't economic decline in NI potentially trigger a resurgence of 'the troubles'?

Any thoughts?

house prices were not driven by anything other then greedy specuvestors from ROI and abroad

Why not let the Troubles remain where they belong - in the past. Its not productive to philosophise that a house price correction will result in a re- emergence of sectarian bitterness. Let's get on with life and look forward to a country where young people can stay here and build families and futures. Just my 2p worth.

Agreed

adding in NI HPI I'd make that at least 6p worth.

v.good



I would have struggled to make a reply half as good as that

Well put.

And of course, the answer is no. Anyone who honestly thinks that people will start killing each other because their house is worth less than it was a year ago is nuts.

While I share the sentiment of this post. I do have fears that 'The Troubles' were caused as much by economic factors as sectarian factors.

If we get a severe economic downturn, I sincerely hope my suspicions are wrong.

I can see the rise of general violence as a result of current events.

Last few times i have been home i have felt unsafe - i am not alone.

so many young men with nothing better to do than start fights.

THe Troubles - we can't go back (booming economy and all)

I also echo what doccyboy said.

This subject reared its ugly head several times on the Main thread and lead to some pretty nasty posting. I would hate to see our friendly thread hijacked by something which may or may not happen and is entirely divisive in nature.