Sectarianism, an old word for aggressive identity politics, still exists on the periphery of a couple of our football clubs. More broadly, in politics, it has been on the wane for decades as things shifted to what individuals think is best for this country, rather than what religious or cultural background people have. But last week saw a fundamental gear shift. Local elections are about who you want to get planning decisions right, bring jobs to your town and get your bins collected on time. Councils shouldn't be debating chambers for foreign policy matters, but sadly many have become just that. These elections have been used by some as an opportunity to pretend to be in the United Nations and voice their opinions on the Middle East, and as we have seen, all too often, quickly shifted into anti-Semitism. We are all shocked by the bloodshed in Gaza and we want to see a pause to the conflict that leads to lasting and sustainable peace. But to ignore the basic premise that Israel has the right to defend itself also ignores the actions of Hamas ....read
RICHARD HOLDEN: The Spectre of sectarian politics is seeping in
09/05/24 00:50
