There is no doubt that in a society as historically conflicted and divided as ours, political gestures have a special potency.
They can be incredibly positive and transformative. For example, the genuine warmth between Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness challenged deep-seated preconceptions among both unionists and nationalists. It also cemented the idea that the DUP and Sinn Féin could share power.
One of the most powerful gestures we can make is to shake hands. In the context of the north’s troubled past, few have been more historic than the first handshake between Mr McGuinness and Queen Elizabeth, the former IRA commander and the British monarch, in 2012. Now it is commonplace for Sinn Féin representatives and the royal family to meet without eyebrows being raised.
- Michelle O’Neill stands for anthem at Northern Ireland match in Windsor ParkOpens in new window
- DUP deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly tries out hurling during visit to GAA clubOpens in new window
- ‘Why would somebody want to change if they feel respected?’ - DUP’s Paul Givan says broadening party’s appeal will secure unionOpens in new window
But there is an important difference between political gestures - those acts which require the courage to not only go beyond one’s comfort zone - and gesture politics, which is shallow and of little lasting value.
Sadly, Stormont has tended to be most comfortable when performing gesture politics. It has a slender record of solid and enduring achievement at which to point, at least when weighted against the avalanche of press releases and photo opportunities it has produced for grinning ministers.
It is too early to decide into which category the flurry of activity from ministers in the revived Executive falls.
Michelle O’Neill has spoken repeatedly about being a “First Minister for all”, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has made similar pledges.
Attending a Northern Ireland football match at Windsor Park and being present for the singing of the anthem was undoubtedly an important gesture by Ms O’Neill. Similarly, Ms Little-Pengelly having a go with a hurl and sliotar as she made her first visit to a GAA club offered another eye-catching moment.
Stormont has tended to be most comfortable when performing gesture politics. It has a slender record of solid and enduring achievement at which to point, at least when weighted against the avalanche of press releases and photo opportunities it has produced for grinning ministers
An enthusiastic Paul Givan offered another well received first when he visited Gaelscoil Aodha Rua in Dungannon. Mr Givan was the DUP minister who cut the Líófa Irish language bursary scheme in 2016, so his charm offensive was long overdue. His warm affirmation that Irish has “value across our community” is also hugely welcome - but we need to hear more words like this.
Images of Mr Givan céili dancing in a Gaelscoil playground, much less Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly playing camogie, would have been unthinkable just weeks ago. These encounters provided excellent photo opportunities, but they need to be far more than that.
We need ministers who are confident to reach out, who go beyond their communities and make powersharing work in a spirit of unity and cooperation. Mere gesture politics won’t cut it when there are tough and unpopular decisions to be made about fixing our public services.
