The accolade was a mark of how far Northern Ireland has changed since the three decades of the Troubles ended with the Good Friday agreement in 1998. The power-sharing executive collapsed in January and Northern Ireland has been without devolved government ever since. These currently include the future of the Irish language in Northern Ireland, gay rights and “legacy” issues from the Troubles. Public opinion in Northern Ireland is weary of the protracted standoff. On Wednesday the Northern Ireland secretary, James Brokenshire, announced that he is preparing to impose a budget if the parties do not make a deal in time.

Source: The Guardian November 01, 2017 19:30 UTC