A Utilitarian Government Could Save Northern Ireland.

Depiction: Belfast citizens working together regardless of backgrounds.

Northern Ireland, a region with a deeply complex political and cultural history, continues to grapple with the legacies of sectarianism, political divisions, and socio-economic challenges. Over the past few decades, the peace process, epitomized by the Good Friday Agreement (1998), has brought relative stability, but deep-rooted tensions between unionists and nationalists, as well as challenges related to economic inequality, remain prominent.

One way to reimagine the governance of Northern Ireland in a way that serves all of its people—across religious, political, and economic divides—is through the lens of utilitarianism. A utilitarian government prioritizes the maximization of overall well-being and happiness for the greatest number of people, striving to reduce suffering and ensure that policies are driven by their positive outcomes for society as a whole. In Northern Ireland, applying utilitarian principles could offer several compelling benefits that promote peace, equality, and sustainable development for all communities.

1. Promoting Unity and Reducing Division in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's political landscape is traditionally divided along the lines of unionism (those who wish to remain part of the United Kingdom) and nationalism (those who seek unification with the Republic of Ireland). The legacy of the Troubles, a period of violent conflict between these two communities, has left an indelible mark on the region's social fabric.

A utilitarian government would focus on policies that promote the common good and the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or religious backgrounds. Rather than prioritizing the desires of one community over another, utilitarianism seeks to find policies that provide the greatest benefit to the most people. This approach could foster reconciliation, encourage cross-community cooperation, and promote the development of a shared civic identity, diminishing the impact of sectarian divides.

For example, by focusing on policies that benefit the entire population, such as improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure, a utilitarian government could create shared interests and common goals, gradually healing some of the fractures that have historically divided Northern Ireland. It would place the well-being of all citizens at the center of governance, encouraging policies that do not exacerbate divisions but rather focus on promoting the collective good.

2. Prioritizing Economic Equality

Northern Ireland faces significant economic disparities, with unemployment, poverty, and regional inequalities affecting both Catholic and Protestant communities. A utilitarian government would address these inequalities by implementing policies designed to maximize economic well-being for the greatest number of people.

Utilitarianism calls for evidence-based policies that focus on improving quality of life through practical means. A government that genuinely seeks to maximize utility would likely prioritize initiatives such as:

• Job creation in areas of high unemployment, especially in communities that have been left behind economically.

• Investment in education and vocational training to ensure that people across Northern Ireland have the skills they need to succeed in a globalized economy.

• Social welfare programs designed to reduce poverty and increase access to healthcare, housing, and basic services.

By focusing on policies that reduce inequality and create opportunities for all, a utilitarian government could help to build a stronger, more cohesive society where economic progress benefits everyone, regardless of background or identity.

3. Balancing the Interests of Different Communities

The challenge of balancing the competing desires of unionists and nationalists in Northern Ireland is significant. However, a utilitarian approach to governance would encourage decision-making that weighs the long-term well-being of the population, rather than focusing on short-term political victories or catering to one side’s interests at the expense of the other.

For example, a utilitarian government would not simply advocate for one constitutional status (union with the UK vs. unification with Ireland) but instead focus on policies that serve the broader interests of peace and stability. This might involve creating mechanisms for cooperative governance, ensuring that all communities have a voice in the decision-making process while focusing on areas of mutual benefit—such as healthcare, economic development, education, and social justice.

Furthermore, utilitarianism could guide policies related to cultural and identity issues, helping to craft solutions that promote tolerance, inclusion, and respect for both unionist and nationalist identities. For example, by ensuring that all communities feel heard and respected, a utilitarian government could work towards fostering shared civic pride and national cohesion while respecting the right to cultural and political expression.

4. Reducing Political Gridlock and Fostering Effective Governance

Northern Ireland's power-sharing arrangements, though a landmark achievement, have sometimes led to political gridlock and inefficiencies in governance. In the current system, the need for consensus between unionist and nationalist parties often leads to delays in decision-making, preventing the swift implementation of important policies.

A utilitarian approach to governance, however, would prioritize effective, results-oriented policymaking. Instead of allowing political ideology to drive every decision, a government that seeks to maximize utility would focus on pragmatic solutions that bring about the greatest benefits for all citizens. This could involve reforming power-sharing arrangements to ensure that the government functions more efficiently, with an emphasis on cooperation, collaboration, and compromise.

Utilitarianism also encourages a focus on outcomes, meaning that policy decisions would be driven by evidence of what works best to improve the quality of life for the largest number of people, rather than by ideological considerations. This could help avoid stagnation and foster more dynamic, forward-thinking governance.

5. Fostering International Cooperation and Integration

Northern Ireland's future is inherently linked to its relationships with both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, as well as its broader position in the global community. A utilitarian government would recognize the importance of these relationships, prioritizing policies that benefit Northern Ireland’s position in international diplomacy and trade.

Utilitarianism advocates for the promotion of mutual well-being, which in this context could translate into a focus on cross-border cooperation, trade agreements, and economic integration with both the UK and the Republic of Ireland. By emphasizing cooperation rather than division, Northern Ireland could act as a bridge between the two nations, fostering stronger relationships and ensuring the region’s economic and political interests are well-represented.

This focus on international cooperation could also enhance Northern Ireland’s ability to attract investment, participate in global trade networks, and benefit from EU partnerships, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and education.

6. Ensuring Long-Term Stability and Peace

Above all, a utilitarian government in Northern Ireland would be dedicated to ensuring long-term peace and stability. By focusing on the well-being of all citizens and seeking to address the root causes of conflict—such as inequality, unemployment, and discrimination—such a government could help to reduce the likelihood of future violence and political instability.

By fostering social cohesion, focusing on shared prosperity, and ensuring that all communities have a stake in the region’s future, a utilitarian government could create a more peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland where individuals are valued for their contributions to society, not their political or religious affiliations.

Conclusion

A utilitarian government in Northern Ireland could offer a path to a more inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful future. By focusing on maximizing the overall well-being of all citizens, a government rooted in utilitarian principles would seek to reduce division, promote economic equality, and foster a culture of cooperation and mutual respect. While the political challenges are undoubtedly significant, the long-term benefits of a more equitable, pragmatic, and results-driven approach to governance are clear. In a region marked by history, division, and complexity, the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number could provide a powerful guiding principle for building a shared future.