S Poddar
Two years since he faced boos and jeers for speaking at the united Ireland event in the face of sectarian backlash, Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt remains firm in his conviction that a more inclusive and united Ireland is an achievable scenario. While in a recent interview, Nesbitt had so candidly shared from his experiences to reflections that have involved pondering challenges he has had to meet and the general conversation on Irish unity.
In 2022, just weeks after delivering a keynote speech at an event pushing for a united Ireland in Dublin, Nesbitt received threats and sectarian graffiti targeting his property in Portrush. Despite the intimidation, he stood by his views, saying that his Irish identity wasn’t incompatible with his Northern Irishness.
Reflecting on the incident Nesbitt said much was said on Irish unity in the intervening years, much water flowed under the bridge since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, and he was hopeful that the recent restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly would be a route to positive dialogue and progress towards a shared future.
“If you had asked me-many years ago, I was that boy-that I would ever stand in Dublin and give that speech, I would have said you are bloody bonkers,” Nesbitt admitted. “The debate continues to be out there.”
Nesbitt feels that for the first time, more people of a Protestant or unionist background are really thinking about their Irish identity. However, he emphasized that embracing this shared Irish identity does not mean people need to surrender their cultural or political affiliations.
“So much of what I was trying to say was that my background, my culture, my history, does not disallow me from considering myself an Irishman,” he said. “I think many more from my background are beginning to see that and feel that.”
What brought Nesbitt to the 2022 event was the drive to create a more inclusive and equal Ireland in the future. He mentioned that he saw the opportunity, as an actor, to use this platform for advocating a cause and encouraging important public conversations.
“I am only an actor at the end of the day,” Nesbitt said. “I am given a platform and I could decide not to use that platform. I decide to do because I have never really left Ireland. It is my home I love it. I think there has to be a debate.”
The debate on the future of Irish unity goes on, and it is in these debates that Nesbitt’s insights offer perspectives on the better and worsens of the possible challenges and opportunities ahead. Unwaveringly committed to a shared future, and then able to bridge divides that have built for centuries, this really does give hope to an Ireland that is both more inclusive and prosperous.
