While I personally don't feel predudiced towards other religions, I think that more and more people are becoming hostile to people from  other backgrounds and refugees
I feel that policies and decisions being made today affect our age group the most so we should have a say
I hate the divide that all the flags cause. I feel very uncomfortable in areas covered with union jacks as it just encourages hostility. I want to live in a country where religion doesn't matter + I'm afraid that will never be NI
It's our future, it affects where we can work, travel and go to school. We deserve a say.
The veto rights mean that the DUP can constantly prevent us from leaving the 1970s and mean that laws on gay marriage, abortion and sexual education in schools can't be passed.
It will impact our future, 16 year olds should be allowed to vote.
A lot of young people don't know the history of NI or don't watch the news or anything to know what they're voting for.
As it resulted in peace and I think religions started to mix more and get along better in education and the work place. It prevented the amount of hatred being taken out for uncalled reasons.
I believe 16 is too young to make a well explored decision and some people may be influenced by their parents.
It has established peace and violence related to sectarian matters has decreased.
Because it has made the country a safer place to live in.
So younger people can decide their future
Don't know that much about it. Sparked controversy in the past.
More young people should be able to vote because it's their future.
Because there are less bombings and shootings now
There could be more activities that promote diversity in areas which have an overall ethinic group, this would build tolerance and if anyone tried to stop/ruin the event then they could deal with the consequences e.g jail time if they cause a riot. The activities shouldnt just be held in schools but also in workplaces for adults to.
There are sensible 16 year olds who understand why they would vote for a specific pary and the effcts it would have.
It has reduced the amount of conflict within NI as there hasn’t been any bombs/conflict of this level due to conflict stemmed from tension between the Protestant and Catholic community. People have become more tolerant to different groups due to awareness and better understanding.
16 yr olds have a much better understanding of issues than the older generation.
The agreement helped bring peace and showed that both nationalists and unionists could work together.
People aren't educated enough to make a decision
Some people may be mature enough, but others not
It has been taught, but not in great detail. I am not sure what it entitles.
Sometimes you can feel the divide between protestant and catholic and sometimes you can't
There are many people my age who are very knowledgeable and mature.
I think it brought about more peace and tolerance
I feel as if there is a lot of racism against minority groups (Chinese, Polish etc) which is upsetting
At 16 most people are still figuring out their opinions and are immature
The agreement was a large reason why the troubles ended
Yes, More could be done to help bring people together in a community and to get along with each other
Lack of understanding of different cultures.
Get Stormont up and running politicians are worse than kids, useless bunch of idiots
It is our future that older people are voting on.
Many younger people will be directly affected by these decisions
It has reduced violence and conflict between communities significantly since being signed.
Kids should have a right to vote because its their future.
To give the younger generation a voice for their future, but I feel we need to be educated more on parties and their policies
It gave nationalists a voice in the previously unionist dominated government of NI and encouraged and paved the way for power sharing, although I feel that new parties need to emerge to support a new generation of ideas. Compromises also need to be made in order to move on from the past.
Protestant and catholic communities sometimes make christianity look bad because of their prejudice and hatred toward each other that isnt based on religion but over a 400 year old or more land disagreement.
Voters aged 16 may be still open to influence. Vote may not be their own preference.
The GFA effectively ended the troubles and led to the IRA decommisioning of weapons. It was my entire life feel like the troubles never happened because of the peace. It is easy to forget the paramilitaries exist and extreme protestantism until the 12th.
Concerns regarding Brexit, impacting economy, jobs and peace.
Referendum 2016-those who were 16 are now 18/19 and have no say/vote.
Paramilitary ceasefires and peace- open borders- trade, investment, jobs and cultural connections, between north and south and between UK and Ireland.
It has neither made Northern Ireland a better or worse place to live
Because 16 year olds have just as good opinions about these views.
We shouldn’t let adults decide what they want when young people have to live in it
Still 18 because I feel we will have a responsibility and learn to do things ourselves.
Having gone to an integrated secondary school, I believe integrated education is one of the easiest ways in improving community relations in Northern Ireland. Schools should not be segregated as this only fuels the problems and hatred in NI!
In my opinion 16 year olds are educated enough to vote. At 16 you should be allowed a democratic voice and a say in what affects our future.
Although it was not a perfect agreement it led to a better future for nI.
Many 16 year olds have not developed their own opinions on politics and therefore would have an influenced vote most likely due to their parents. However we should be allowed to vote on major issues that will affect us such as Brexit.
It brought peace to the country and it brought communities together.
16 year olds are capable of making intelligent and rational choices. Our opinion matters!
It created peace between different groups and made NI a better place to live.
I feel like at age 16 you don’t know enough about it.
Everyone has prejudice, you form an opinion of those you don’t often talk to or hear from often or at all, this can be positive or negative. Due to simply knowing nothing of them, from the people in question themselves.
I again feel that percieved hate on the other side is taught by the previous generation to their kids. As time goes on I feel this would wear off. In cities and town especially LD/D and Belfast tensions could be at their worse due to conflict aways being there. In a rural setting everyone is much more spaced out so I feel people meet those of different backgrounds much more frequently.
You must be 18 years old to use a tanning bed, yet you can marry, join the army and dink (kinda) at age 16. It makes no sense. Lowering the voting age did not seem to become an issue to me until brexit.
It has seemed to decrease levels of violence since the troubles, however the IRA had declined the ceasefire (somewhat) before 1998. Sit can be seen as part of the "peace process" and making NI safer not the only reason for it.
If you can join the army and pay taxes at 16, you should be able to vote.
It has largely stopped the conflict in Northen Ireland
Nowadays 16 year olds are more aware about politics than what people think.
Not as much violence happening as there used to.
16 year olds are more aware of politics nowadays and are being affected by politics.
Since the projudice views are so commonly expressed it is difficult to avoid considering them.
As a catholic living in a protestant area I am well acustomed to cross-community relations. However some of my friends from more catholic communities I find to be living in their own isolated bubble of reality.
Since we are the future population which policy making affects most of all.
It instilled a sence of peace and normality within Northern Ireland. Also, since it is our sole defense mechanism with regard Brexit Deal agreements. Since working to uphold the dignity of and preserve the conditions of the good Friday agreement has protected us from many border solutions which would be harmful to Northern Ireland.
I think current age is more suitable as 16 year olds aren't fully mature
Help to promote peace between protestants and catholics and made NI safer as a whole.
As the working age is 16 and they are mature at this age.
People focus on it too much just let people get on with it
90% of people my age know nothing about politics and vote on ideology.
St Andrews is the real thing that changed stuff.
We are old enough to make rational decisions about our future
I don’t think we went into detail about it, so I am unsure.
I don’t have an opinion on this at this moment.
I feel protestant and catholics are both mixing very well now and although I have friends from college from the minority ethnic groups I feel the majority of them keep to themselves and don’t mix well. E.g. if I go into one of their shops they stop talking and stare at me.
I feel some 16 year olds aren't mature enough
I feel it has brought the protestant and catholic communities together more.
Think that younger people have the right to vote
16 years is still a very young age to decide who best represents your political beliefs and interests.
The good Friday agreement ended an ongoing conflict that had cost many people their lives.
It will not get better unless our MLA's go back to work and stop acting like children. The more cross-community in our youth (prior to being prejudiced and brainwashed by religious/political agenda) The greater and more prosperous our relationships will be in the future as we learn the other community is actually not so different and actually are as nice.
I don’t gain any knowledge between 16-18 I am able to take the most important exams of my life.  Therefore I should be able to vote for my future.
Peace is better than the troubles. But we still have a massive way to go before religion/cultural identity doesn’t cause conflict.
In my opinion, I feel that bringing various communities together is definitley going to change peoples mindset about other people's religion. It is also very important that kids start getting involved with other people from other backgrounds rather than just relate with people with same religion.
I think that under 16 people have not yet an idea about how important this topic is
From stories I have heard about before the 'Good Friday Agreement' I think that less conflict had happened after that. This made Northern Ireland a safer place as more imigrants came after it, showed that they are safe in this country.
Majority of the issues concern 16 year olds and their future
Although it ended 'the troubles' there is still tension between both parties.
I don’t understand completely what was agreed upon and the consequences that it had.
It’s the world we'll grow into, we deserve a say in the choices.
I can't remember the specifics of the agreement
We are the next generation and it is about our future
Children are not constantly worrying which helps with their education. As children are more concentrated they are achieving goals.
I believe that 16 year olds should be allowed to vote as it's their future that decisions will impact them the most
The Good Friday Agreement has made NI a better place to live in as there aren't as much conflict happening now as there was before but there are still things happening.
Less violence between each of the communities
People from both sides of the community are brought together.
Even the political parties don’t know what they are talking about half the time.
Decisions made by a vote effect those of all ages
Inter-community relationships are growing strong amonst us young people, but I feel that our politicians need to  do a better job and need to steer away from historical orange and green issues and help us strive for a prosperous future together.
Young people are going to become the voice of society- we should have a say!
It has allowed and aided the peace process and has also helped bring communities together instead of keeping them apart.
Give more of an opportunity to select the right people and have their say at 16.
I think that its good for all communities because its brought somewhat peace and stability to Northern Ireland.
Because they come to our country, take our jobs our money , our health service and give nothing back.
Not as many bombs/ killing-sectarian activity
I strongly support the UUP because my aunty belongs to that party.
Because we don’t know much about the subject
More people are mature at 18+ compared to 16
It has encouraged tolerance of other groups
No, I honestly don’t mind and don’t judge on religion even though it affects community relations in the country.
16 is too young and their vote is most likely influenced.
In ways it was beneficial but also useless so I'm not too sure if it was a great thing or not.
16 year olds like myself should have a say in our own future, we can get married and die for our country why cant we vote.
Its allowed communities to put their differences behind them. It has brought prosperity to Northern Ireland.
It's stopped conflict and helped keep peace between the two communities.
I think a persons religion should not define who they are.  I think all religions should move on and come as one. Personally, it doesn’t matter to me if someone has a different religion. I would still be friends with that person.
Some 16 year olds are responsible but others might be influenced.
No, because a lot of 16 year olds cant make proper decisions since they don’t know what is good for them.
If you are able to work and potentially be tried at 16 you should be able to have a voice in your country.
Peace has been made and the troubles are over and the country is now progressing towards a better place.
Possibly due to the person (s) deviating from the norms for example sometimes I feel prejudice when people overtly express their culture because I don’t see it all the time but I would never say to them.
This might be odd but I personally believe all schools should be intergrated as it would speed up I believe the division which has existed, still exist and will likely exist for the majority of my lifetime within Northern Ireland.
Firstly we pay taxes but don’t get to have a say in how to spend them? I believe 16 yo's are more informed then politicians believe I would be an informed voter if only I could vote.
I answered yes because it developed a Northern Irish government which has been good in my opinion (apart from the fact they have been on paid leave for quite some time) The agreement ended the conflict which was needed and was the first stich in the wound which divided our nation so therefore it wa a good agreement.
There is a lot less trouble now compared to my parents up bringing
Young people should be able to fully express their political opinion officially (in a vote)
The begininng of the peace process is marked at this agreement, and enticed parties (excluding DUP) to unify to form a successful/ functional political system. Formed a basis for reforms that were universally accepted (incl. DUP)
Within my dance community, being a highland dancer, I often collaborate with Irish dancers and work well with them often finding similarities
16 Years old work therefore should be allowed to vote
Improvement was made, but we have recently became backwards society again.
In my opinion older generations are a main source for why there are still some barriers between communities.
People are more accepting of people who are different than them.
Maybe just that I am not as used to being around or interacting with people different to me.
I don’t know much, if anything about politics so I couldn’t make the decision
There will always be conflict between protestants and catholics as everyone is stuck in the past, singing songs about things that happened hundreds of years ago.
Most 16 year olds are too immature and easily influenced
Probably was taught about it but I don’t remember
It is our future, we should be able to vote for it
Before it things were at a more a lot more tense between religion. I think they have sorted some things out but not nearly enough.
I am aware of events such as bloody Sunday that I cannot forget about.
There is no need for kerbs painted red, white and blue or union jacks everywhere, it is unessesary and provocative.
16 year olds are independent and responsible to make decisions. Outcome effects them.
It stopped the troubles, so NI is now a safer place to live.
Decisions made benefits the younger generation
It somewhat made life here more peaceful
Most 16/17 year olds are not well informed enough to vote.
The republican terrorists were appeased in the short term for peace. However it is unfair and ridiculous that these terrorists are now trying to persecute the police for actions that were the correct decisions at the time. The rebublicans have no right to claim victimhood.
I don’t think that at this age someone is mature enough to make the right decision.
My sister (older) went to an integrated secondary school and got bullied because of our religion. We were never told about racial abuse by our parents/ family. It was very upsetting seeing our sister treated and talked to like that. She had to move school because of it.
Then I can know I have a say about were I live and what happens
Less bombing and shooting from each others religious beliefs.
Because teenagers shouldn’t. The voting is for adults.
I don’t know about the good Friday agreement/Belfast agreement.
If sixteen year olds are concidered 'adults' in some aspects then they should be allowed to vote.
The good Friday agreement put an end to the violence and death in Northen Ireland and made it safer for my generation to grow up in. The good Friday agreement also meant that the different communities were able to be represented equally at Stormont.
Most catholic and protestants communities get along, but there is always a few idiots from both sides who start trouble.
I think 18 is a good age as you are mature enough to vote.
Yes, as it made relations between catholics and protestants a lot better.
Uneducation of different religions and minorities
Depending on where you live in NI or the background of family can also contribute to the relations in this country.
Some people at the age of 16 are not educated on topics they'd have to vote on
As well as everything there's people that opposed to the agreement and therefore no progress was made in some peoples eyes.
Nil go leoir meas ag beariarai do na gaeilgeoir anseo. There is not enough respect for the irish speakers from our community from the english speakers. For example; this document is not bi-lingual.
16 year olds are not a mature enough age to take it seriously
I don’t mind what people are, but that does not mean that they will not mind what I am.
When you are 16 you are not at the same level of maturity as an 18 year old.
Its our future that will be affected but we have no say.
I believe most 16 year olds are not fully informed on political matters as family members opinions heavily influence their views and they may not have fully developed their own personal independent opinions.
To some the good Friday agreement will have helped relieve tension between potestant and catholic communities. To some this agreement may have increased tension and inflicted a sense of restraint to members of these communities about their religious ability to express opinions
Based on older being prejudice while I was growing up
People this young aren't mature enough to vote and make that decision.
Younger people should share their opinion as it affects them most
I believe it did break some barriers and start equality but more needs to be done.
Nothing necessarily wrong with them whatsoever but sometimes find them difficuly to understand and hard to interact with on occasion.
I've never personally witnessed any conflict between any communities in my lifetime, so I believe it's ok.
I don’t think 16 is a mature enough age.
Yes, I believe it has made Northen Ireland far more peaceful for all of it citizens.
Most 16 year olds are not mature enough and don’t have enough life experience.
Safer place to live.  Less deaths. Better cross community relations.
Everyone should be able to vote- not descriminated against because of age.
I'm not aware of politicians or issues so I wouldn’t vote but I know people my age are and would vote.
It was benefitial as it ended conflict from the troubles but people were annoyed that people were let out of prison early
I feel 16 year olds have valid opinions which may affect future generations.
There are still many people affiliated with paramilitaries and other gangs.
Not sure if it is wise as they may still not have matured fully etc.
Not as much tension, there are more rights for everyone now.
They will be the people that the votes affect more than an 80 year old.
All it has done is anger the oppressed republican natives of this island.
I feel it has significantly improved relations between protestant and catholics and both religions have become much more accepting of each other.
I think that religious backgrounds shouldn’t be a big deal, as you should want to accept someone for who they are.
Failure of some minority groups to integrate with society to any extent.
Vast majority of 16/17s would vote based on parents influence.
Great stride in direction of sustained peace and equality between cath and prot.
Many are still too immature at this age.
Less violence, more cross community project participation, better prosperity, less dysfunction as a society.
I feel the North of Ireland should be a part of the south.
Still fights going on with catholics and protestants.
Don’t know anything about political parties.
Brought catholics and protestants closer together.
People can leave school and work at this age meaning elections affect us.
Because of my family and other people mentioning that it was a good thing because we only briefly went over it in school.
As we are the next generation and should have a say in our future
I believe NI has become a much better place since the troubles.
The reprocussions of voting change our lives as much as anyone.
It has given people on both sides the right to identify as who they want.
16 is the youth, which is the future therfore most effected
Good and bad. Is good was signed as it has helped situations a little although still not followed fully.
Most individuals at age 16 do not have enough knowledge about voting
I know I don’t know enough. I may have said yes if we received more education in it.
Reduced violence. Made steps towards peace.
We're expected to follow the law but have no say in making it, it affects us too.
As we don’t know who we are taking into our country. They are coming over in boats with no permission. There has been a lot of deaths through letting them into countrys and no one let the people of northern Ireland to leave in the troubles.
It should be as at this age we are doing GSCE or the first year of A-levels which means if we are already controlling what we are doing in life why not control what is happening in politics.
I think it has, as it has made peace in NI. It has stopped the paramilitary shootings and the attacks. I would fear if it got demolished. All the paramilitarys go on the agreement which is putting them behind a line and they know if they cross it, there would be serious issues, the same ones that made them get the agreement.
I am not 16 and I would like to be able to vote and share my opinion.
More equal rights for catholics and protestants
At the age of 16 your opinion and beliefs are heavilly influenced by you parents.
The younger generation is the future, we deserve a say in the running of our country.
Its made people more tollerant of each other by introducing shared education and equal workplace opportunities.
It shouldn’t matter but I know there is still people against mingleing with each other.
I don’t know, no one questioned me etc on my religion since I don’t go by anything, not even atheist.
They can sometimes effect peoples social lifes. The communities are so diverse sometimes that young children have prejudice views from very early on that its hard to change.
When your 16 you don’t know a lot about it, that you will end up choosing something for convienience.
Its only been brought up recently because of Brexit, but before that I never heard of it particularly brought up.
Just the way I've been brought up in Northern Ireland.
We cant just forget the past and move on we need to be educated about the troubles and what actually happened, the honest truth not some lies that have been created to make one side not seem so bad and cover what they have done. Maybe then we can understand each other and move on.
To educate enough to know why of what others have told us.
Restrictive and holding back things even to this day. Didn’t really bring peace its basically linked to war
Pathetic and childish. Religion, particularly in NI causes conflict constantly. NI does not seem to welcome minority groups either.
Conflict between catholics and protestants still exists, government cant agree with anything seemingly just because of religious differences.
I feel 17 should be a good age as it is our future after all.
Terrorist activity declined. More cooperation between people.
16 year olds can know just as much about politics as adults so should have a say.
I don’t know enough about the agreement or how it has affected people living in NI
It's our future to. Highlighting importance at a young age will make a better society.
I don’t know personally how Ireland was before the good Friday agreement but it probably was better.
It has made people closer as a community.
Younger people are more open minded and it is their (our) future, (we) they should get a say!
It eased troubles and conflicts between opposing sides, however did not stop them.
I feel like especially in my area funding in cross community schemes have increased peoples awareness of the need for integration and have led to a more peaceful atmosphere.
I feel like 16 year olds have been educated enough and can make an informed decision about politics in their area and should be allowed to have a say.
I feel like it has built a better pathway to peace in Northern Ireland and it was a start in the right direction.
It is our future, so we must have a right to decide.
It has brought peace to Northern Ireland and there is no longer a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
As we are still young we may not all understand or have an interest
It has made northern Ireland a better country as people feel confident to invest within it. Tourism has increased as people feel safe to come here.
When topics apply to the younger generation it shouldn’t just be older people having a say
It played a maor role in stopping the Troubles
At 16 you can marry, create life and serve in the army, yet aren't mature enough to vote?
Officially ended paramilitary violence affecting public and began thawing of hostilities between communities
Northern Ireland is a lot more peaceful now
It would be a good way for younger people to express themselves and it would give them that bit of sense of being included
More commication between catholics and protestants in projects
We are mature enough at the age of 16 to decide about sex, the same thing should be applied for voting
There is still a lot of conflict between nationalists and unionists
Because they don’t know what will happen and their mind is too young
The good Friday agreement is good because it has made a peaceful country and economical
Being able to vote would enable young people to be able to have a say in their future
I think that as a result of scoiety it has been taught to us that those who come from Eastern Europe are somehow lesser. However, I try to acknowledge this and know that it is wrong when I catch myself having prejudiced thoughts
I think that untill all schools are integrated, children in Northern Ireland will grow up believing that children who are from a different community to them are different and deserve less respect than others because it has been ingrained in them from a child.
Although I would like it, some young people are not aware enough of politics to make an educated decision without being influenced by family or other pressures
Although I have not yet studied the good Friday agreement I will later this year as part of As level Government and Politics. Therefore, I cannot give a fully educated answer but I believe that this agreement is vital in helping to ensure equality between communities in NI and to ensure the continuation of the peace process. As i was born after the signing of this agreement i cannot fully understand what life during the troubles was like however i know that it is vital the GFA is protected to ensure we dont return to those times.
Background I was brought up in. don’t know many people from other backgrounds. Political views.
I feel that, relations between both communities has gotten better through intergated schools, youth clubs, schemes etc. there is still a long way to go in achieving full peace in NI and improving relations between adults and children from different communities.
There is not a huge maturity difference between 16 and 18. I believe there are 16 year olds that could make more informed and education voting decisions than an 18 year old. It is legal to get married, get  a job, join the armed forces at 16- need to be represented politically.
Although there are certain parts of the Good Fridy Agreement that I do not agree with such as Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK unless a majority wants a vote and that only the secretary of state can hold this referendum. Also the Irish Government amending articles 2 and 3 of the Irish constitution. There are also terms i agree with such as a new devolved assembly for NI that required executive party to be shared by parties that represent both communities. However, overall i recognise the impact the GFA had decreasing violence in NI and making it a more peaceful and safe place for the citizens.
16 is too young to make a decision that large and too influencial
I do not know the whole are of the agreement so I cannot make a decsion
Im only 16 and I wouldn’t know who to vote for
I never experienced Northern Ireland before the good Friday agreement so I can't comment on the difference
I think the effect of brexit will have widespread negative impact on the community relationships between catholics, protestants and minority groups, particularly for the citizens of Northern Ireland
I think more young people should be allowed to have a say in the future of their country and be able to express decisions being made as they influence them as much as they influence adults
I thikn the agreement definatley improved the political situation in Ireland at the time and it certainly helped ease the violence in the area. Compared with the time of the troubles its definitley made NI a better place to live but I think Northern Ireland could risk falling back into violence if the brexit border issue is not sorted out.
Many people at the age of 16 would not be fully knowledgable on what they are voting for
I think it helped to reduce sectarianism within Northern Ireland. It set up a council to promote the relationship between Britain and Ireland and the agreement allowed people of Northern Ireland to choose either a British or Irish passport
Im not really educated about different ethnic communities so I have some stereotyped views
I feel like Brexit has started to stir up some conflict again regarding the hard border and the back stop, but I really hope that we can continue to progress and develop cross community relations.
Young people are the future of the country and should be able to vote
I wasn’t born when the Good Friday Agreement was signed so from what ive seen about the troubles and heard from my mum and dad its helped improve relations, but tensions are still there and Treland is far from perfect.
So more people can have their opinion heard
No, because I feel in Belfast there is still controversy but elsewhere it isnt too bad.
Able to form opinion of their own (most of 16 year olds)
I believe young people don’t have the opportunity to use their voice in NI
The Belfast Agreement stopped a majority of physical conflict within communitities. I think it has now lead to complications and isnt as relevant to make NI a peaceful place.
People my age don’t have a great enough interest (most people)
Having learnt about what the troubles was like, it appears to have brought greater peace
Gives younger society a chance to decide on their own future
There is still too much hostillity between catholics and protestants in NI. We are all people. A small number of bigots off-put others from wanting to mix with each other. I had a negative experience with hostility from a protestant and unfortunatley this may have tainted my view. It is always more comfotable having 1 less issue in school workplace, but I do not want segregation.
Although the youth should be listened to, 16 is not mature enough to know enough to vote
It is good to have a legal agreement, and I do not know much about the Good Friday Agreement, however I think that the partition of Ireland in the first place was a shambolic mistake and if I could undo it, I think I would
I wish people didn’t value whether or not you are a protestant or catholic in this country so much
Green party/Stephen Agnew maybe Alliance
We are more engaged then ever and policies decided now affect us most we deserve a say
Paramilitaries aren't blowing up the country anymore and we used to have a functioning government which I think makes NI a better place to live in now then when my parents grew up
People who are 16 years old they should be allowed to vote.
I don’t know enough about politics to vote
I don’t know enough on it to give an opinion
The age of consent is 16 so young people should be given a vote
Led to a ceasefire which made Northern Ireland safer
I feel at 16 not mature enough to know what decision to make and would just follow the lead from family
I feel like we should have a voice as we are well educated
More people are living in harmony. There is decreased conflict across the country
The majority of people have good cross-community relations and are neither prejudiced or discriminating it is only the minority who are, and are causing issues in Northern Ireland
Many 16 year olds wouldn’t have the knowledge/ understanding to vote on current issues. Or may be influenced be family to vote for a certain party.
Relationships in Northen Ireland are nowhere near as hostile as they were growing up, I didn’t come into contact with the same violence or fear that my parents did
16 is too young you surely would not know on the right choice to make
As young should get a say in what happens
Not all 16 year olds are mentally mature enough to make a decsion on this
It brought peace and prosperity, and ensure this is maintained
Needs to be more education on different religions. More integration with catholics and protestants
16 year olds will be here longer and know about the situations in NI
Not as much fighting in NI. Catholics and protestants are living in somewhat harmony.
The way that I was brought up, I heard prejudiced statements often from people In groups and in my school
When we leave the EU I think that the relationships between catholics and protestants in Northen Ireland will not be as positive as they are now
People at 16 years old don’t understand politics
I do not know the difference that the good Friday agreement has made in NI
People from different ethnic communities can sometimes be quite intimidating and there seems to be so many of them. They are using public transport to our school and then theres no seats for us natives and they have damaged facilities in my area recently since they moved in. So im projudiced because of this.
There is a very clear divide between protestant and catholics in my area. I never come into contact with a lot of protestants as im more comfortable with my own or other religiously orientated people who arent protestants.
I thiink we are mature enough to make decisions regarding the future of our country
It meant that there was no more violence between people anymore/ended troubles and even though we still didn’t get a whole ireland after all that time it was probably for the better for there to be peace at last.
Some people not mature enough to have an opinion
Peace in some areas of NI has been achieved however there is still a lot of tensions
Not all 16 year olds are mature enough to vote. As someone who is below the voting age, I don’t feel I am informed enough about politics to vote
A someone who hasn’t lived here too long, I am not very educated on the Belfast agreement
An effort could be made to make people of all religions welcome in my community, for example by maybe having more sports that aren't just associated with one side of the community or having more celebrations that both sides can celebrate together rather than just having saint Patricks Day and the 12th seperatley. I feel protestants in particular could make a much better effort.
I feel very strongly that I was denied a democratic and human right in not being able to vote in the Brexit vote. The outcome of that vote will affect me for a much longer time than many of the older people who voted, yet I was given no say in it. This is very frustrating.
I believe that it was an effective way to prevent further loss of life and I believe that it was greatly needed, I only hope that it isnt completely disregarded by the current government in their effort to mess up Brexit
It is our future we are the next generation that will be affected by the votes
Political tension and political violence has seen a massive decline since the signing of the good Friday agreement
I feel this way as some (but not all) people from minority ethnic groups come here only to claim benefits and never work. I just think that it isnt fair, especially considering how the UK's money situation is. It wouldn’t be able to sustain these benefits
I believe that community relations or better than they were in the past but there is still a ways to go before they are at ideal standards for most people at least that I know.
It is able to gather more views to the people who the vote will matter to
I think it allows people to first of all, have their national identity suit them as well as settle rivalry down between catholic and protestants
We should be able to have a say in things that are affecting us
It makes Northern Ireland a safe place to live because the troubles arent happening anymore
No violence between catholics and protestants
Young people participate more when they feel they're being taken seriously
There are more rights and better equality than it was before with riots and bombings
I believe Brexit had overall put more strain on community relations in Northern Ireland
Many important decsions being made will primarily effect our current 16 year olds and their future
Was the major piece of legislation which ended the troubles. Without it, we could be living in constant tension to this day. While relations between some political parties are not good or productive today, we live in a far safer society.
Their communities actions and their overall beliefs
I think that the political parties have made the religious divide bigger and removing them would improve over generations. Also Brexit will also increase the divide, as some believe it is back door to a united ireland and others desire being further removed from the Republic.
I don’t think it would make a difference
It sort of ended the troubles and has allowed Northern Ireland to grow commercially since then
The majority of 16 yer olds are not educated enough on the world or politics
It helped to dissolve some very bad tensions between the two sides
16 is too young I feel people may not be fully educated on the topic and so cannot make an informed choice
It helped to bring an end to conflict through the troubles. I feel the division that existed within NI was settled and it helped to prevent a lot more deaths. I feel it brought about peace and made NI a better place.
Personaly a eye twards the future will hopefully, clean up the mess of the past
It calmed tensions and is used as a sign of peace in the world. It has made Northern Ireland look nice to live since it was not a constant war zone.
People underestimate the knowledge and understand of politics among 16 year olds
It significantly decreased conflict and tension between catholics and protestants, I don’t have to live my life in fear of being hurt or be punished for my religious background
I believe at 16 people are still too immature
I feel people are unhappy with the agreement and it was only made to suit some
It has stopped the violence, shooting and killings
Just as capable of making thorough decisions
Religious relations have improved significantly in the past 20 years. I now believe that race relations should now be improved, as NI has continued to grow its population of non-whites it is important that those from minority groups are made to feel welcome and are able to integrate easily making themselves feel like they are part of the community.
I feel as if that 16 is an appropriate age to vote as you become more poltically aware
Nationalists are no longer politically ineffective and relations between the two communities have improved, job/education prospects are more numerous for young people in both communities. And NI is now an overall safer country to live in thanks to the end of violence.
I don’t think 16 year olds completeley understand or even mature enough
I don’t really know much about Northern Ireland before the agreement
Most issues caused between communities come from local minorities (loyalist and Republican) and not from most people
Many people my age arent mature enough to vote
Agreements like the St Andrews and a lot of issues that needed cross community discussion can now take place because of this things have drastically improved
I believe that sixteen year olds are the most unsung voices in Northern Ireland
The good Friday agreement brought an end to the troubles and allowed the political parties to have a coalition. Therefore making the lives of NI Citizens better
Community relations I feel are definitley improving. However, with Brexit coming into play, I believe that some problems may occur as a result of this. Regardless of Brexit and what happens, I believe that everyone regardless of age, race, gender, social class and religion should stand by each other and support one another.
People of the younger generation have mostly forgotten about the past. Thus they should be allowed to vote. Even allowed to represent in Stormont. As everyone else solely reflects on the past.
It didn’t make N.Ireland better at all. Most people want a united Ireland. The agreement that if the majoirty wanted it, it could happen. However, this principle of consent doesn’t really seem to be acknowledged as the majority want a united Ireland and nothing is being done.
Has allowed a better understanding between the two groups
People aren't matur enough and may be easily influenced
I would say yes as the point in it help achieve more peace
To give younger people a louder voice in Northern Ireland
It has helped to greatly lower the conflict that enraged our country for 30 years
Younger people should be heard as it could be affecting them in the future like Brexit
It stopped all the fighting between the catholics and protestants. It brought peace
Towards peopple who cant speak english in this country they don’t integrate effectively and take benefits from Northern Irish people
That’s just how people are portrayed in Northern Ireland
Some young people have an interest in politics so they should be heard
The attacks from paramillitary groups have decreased, I think.
Mostly positive but theres always room for improvement
Young people could have different views than adults
No bombs or violence, however I do feel it is time the agreement should be reviewed
No, everything has been covered in the previous questions
It stopped huge conflicts and although there is still divides between societies it is a lot better that before the good Friday agreement
They are worsening. (between catholic and protestant communities) Neither community respects the other, especially young people. Neither respects each other because the political situation on each side are so different/want different things.
Yes because the goof Friday agreement ended the violence of the troubles.  The agreement needed communication between opposing parties which helped them put their differences aside. Because of the agreement and what followed, people no longer live in fear of being persecuted for their religion
As long as groups of close minded people exist in each community, there will only be a certain amount of progress
I am sixteen and a lot of my friends who are the same age, don’t have enough info to make a justified decision, myself included
From what I have learned from history books and stories from family who were alive at the time, the 'troubles' were filled with negative people and acts. Although the good Friday agreement wasn’t perfect it was a neccesary action to move forward
Because they are the ones who may have to deal with it in the future
Fear of the unknown, media. It is not bad prjudice, just some judgements
I feel they will get worse is Brexit ends badly. I do feel huge progression has been made however as I get older I can see some people are fixed in their ways and this wont change if both religions don’t try
I feel in some cases when it affects our future so greatly it should be lowered
I feel it has allowed us to live more feely and has shown an opportunity for a united Ireland
Less violence. No borders. Better outlook to the future. Freedom to go anywere you wanna go in Ireland. Less deaths to violence. Makes me feel I go to uni without the worry of mixing with other people. Less army in the streets.
People need to be more accepting of others as a whole regardless of religion
Some 16 year olds can be too immature and wouldn’t think
From what I remember it gave people a choice
I have been insulted regarding sexuality from people in these groups
I believe people at my age are competant enough to have a say
I don’t like how important religion is in school
It is our future, the result of votes will effect us, not old people
Based on my parents experiences, relations have improved a lot however there is room for lots more
I have good knowledge of local politics better than many people eligible to vote just because of their age
Led to the ceasefire and peace in Northern Ireland
I don’t fully understand it all, I would prefer to know more before I vote
I believe some people now a days have been brought up by their families of friends to believe that they are Protestant or Catholic and you should stay away from the opposite side, this has usually been done through stories of the past or separated schools e.g. catholic or majority of protestants
I don’t believe 16 year olds know enough about the consequences of political views
I believe it has made it a better place as people from both backgrounds have to come together and accept each other, and people have started to accept
Encourage greater participation from a younger age, simplify and explain process and importance in school.
It has created peace in the country, as there is not as much conflict
I feel a small sense of prejudice towards everyone. I believe others subconciously feel the same
They deserve a say in amtters that will affect them when entering adulthood
We are the generation who will impact the most from the decision
There is stilla small amount of projudice amongst catholics and protestants. However, it is largely between older generations, most of which were raised in the troubl era. For the most part, people with prejudice beliefs tend to pass it on to their children, making them very ignorant and do not help progress the religious or social tensions in a positive way. Despite being very uneducated about past events in Northern Ireland, many people my age (17) claim to have a dislike to protestants, without a valid reason. slurs such as "hun" or "orange man" are still thrown around without any sensitivity. Despite this, i personally feel that positive progress is being made in Northern Ireland in terms of social and religious matters.
Personally, I was not alive at the time so I have no perception as to how Northern Irish citizens from each political party, religious and social backgrounds reacted. It is also not brought up or relevant to my daily life
Due to the events of the troubles I feel there will always be bad relations between protestants and catholics
I feel that people my age are not mature enough. They wouldn’t understand the consequences of their decisions
It brought some peace to Northern Ireland because it stopped the majority of the fighting. There is still misstrust between protestants and catholics. Paramilitaries still try to get people to join.
Because of previous/recent violent attacks (e.g Muslim- bombings, be-headings  public attacks)
16 y/o are not responsible enough to make major decisions regarding politics (not appropriatley informed)
Has made NI a safer place to live with less prominent segregation between communities
I would like to see more done in communities to bring people from all backgrounds  closer together
I think that 16 year olds have valid opinions that should be listened to
There has been a lot more peace since then but I think that there is still a long way to go
Because 16 year olds are the people who will be affected most by the decisions and are old enough to decide whats best for them
Although the good Friday agreement prevented violence and distruction in northern ireland to an extent there still is conflict in northern ireland and now that we don’t have a governement more and more conflict and violence is occuring so what was the point of having a little peace for a short while then have it start again as a minor issue with no one in power to prevent history from repeating itself however i think more people are open to those from diffeent backgrounds, brexit could be the spark that ignites the flame and alienates each community.
I feel safe in most places in Northern Ireland, I do not see as much conflict
As 16 year olds may not be educated enough about politics
Due to the way they've acted in the past
Their not encouraged to kill each other any more
Any political reform that was being made, by the time it was implemented, would affect our future without our say
It stopped the majority of sectarian violence, which widespread. City and town centres were regenerated. It re-introduced industry and mass production form foreign investors.
Due to personal experience and witnessing it on the news
They are still very segregated due to their upbringing
The older population have very different and prejudice views
It has helped society move forward and has helped with sectarianism, even though its still here. People are beining to respect each other and their views.
I feel as if people are a lot less worried about working with people from a different religion because a religion should not entirely define a person and as young people grow up, they will be mixing with people from many different religions
I feel as if people who are under the voting age don’t have freedom to express their opinion on political issues
There are still arguents between both the British and the Irish governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland and this has posed as an inconvienience to the people in Northern Ireland because there has been no government in two years
Most areas are too highly sectarian which is having a mass influence still on the young generation from their older generations. DUP and Sinn Fein are pointless and are just splitting people up. Should be much more integrated. Being prejudiced on names e.g Kieral O'Neill
Because my generation is more modern and are generally open-minded/it is our future
It only cause outrage from certain christian backgrounds and shouldn’t of even done Northern Ireland still has highly sectarian and violent places.
No, but I feel as though people here are too bitter and will never move on, theres always going to be conflict in NI. Especially between the protestant and catholic.
T 16 teens have knowledge on politics and know what they want
Why are catholics and protestants still fighting
Everyone that has an understanding of voting should vote
There is still conflict between catholics and protestants
I think it would be better to be older to have more developed opinions
I want to vote for people that represent me
I don’t know too much but it stopped the troubles which is good
Tension had decreased for a short period of time however with brexit both my friends and myself have felt an increase in tension especially between catholics and protestants. This tension will only either worsen or get better depending on the Brexit outcome specifically the situation resolving the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland
We are old enough to have developed views and opinions
The good Friday agreement gave almost a compromise between the political parties and people of not only Northern Ireland but also Ireland and the UK. It is clear that it was reasonably effective from the fact that violence (while it didn’t stop) significantly decreased.
Still needs a lot of work battling prejudice and discrimination
It's the next generations future, so we deserve a say
It seemed to work for a while but has since had less effect. If we had a government in Stormont it could be reinforced.
Due to the news and the way they depict others as 'taking' up Northern Ireland's space
They are great except some people can be very proud about their religion and sometimes they can get out of hand e.g. attack other people about their religion as it is 'not right' for them to be in their space.
As the younger generation is much more integrated and divided -much more opinions
As our society has come forward together and we're in a much more peaceful place e.g. more socialising, the Irish governement funding groups in Northern Ireland. Also decisions are now being made as every one has an 'agreement' to follow by.
I still believe that not all people who are 16 are mature
Significantly helped to gain peace and mutual respect
It was a shambles before and now less so
Damage/ harm caused by people of a different ethnicity
16 year olds don’t have enough of an understanding of politics
I personally feel that tribal politics in Northern Ireland prevents community relations from improving as much as they should
The opinions of young people are equally as important as those of older people
Iy has begun to detribalise Northen Irish politics, provided a forum for all people to have their views expressed, and made Northen Ireland a relatively safer place.
Most 16/17 yer olds don’t know enough and are too easily influenced
It would get younger people into politics
I feel there is a good and bad on both sides, the agreement settle things in Northern Ireland, but we still have issues
Any dissident unpublican party that does not use violence
At 16 you are old enough to understand what your voting for
GFA had brought end to many political freedom fighting and has allowed for national/ republicans to campaigh for united ireland
I am not aware of what the good Friday agreement is
Generally, all 16 year olds don’t care about politics but rather their Alevels
The relations between protestants and catholics has gotten a lot better over the years, however in some places, like Londonderry it is still not great and both sides are very bitter
As most people even at 18 do not understand and do what family does
I have never been taught about it and am unsure of what it actually does
The votes effect the younger generation so they should get a say
People are not mature enough to vote at 16. For example, many protestants would just vote for DUP. Catholics would vote for Sinn Fein
Many religious base attacks still take place today. An example would be the bombing of a car in Derry/ Londonderyy in January 2019.
Children my age have been raised differently than I have, of course, but this means some people continue to be judgemental towards the opposite religion.
I am not educated enough about this to have a say
Community relations in NI are bias towards catholics, in media, in representation and in education. As someone who was brought up in a unionist household, I feel I have been discriminated by members of the other community.
Many below the age of 18 lack the maturity to make a educated decision
The agreement brought a false peace, still divided and it allowed terrorists to be freed both republican and loyalist
I feel 16 year olds are mature enough to understand
More undertsanding to one another and less hate crime
Lots of people are set on their political views at this age
Why bigots get more money than those who arent. Why our politians are getting payed to do nothing
16 years old is still not mature enough to make proper decisions
Teenagers should be able to vote on what they think is right instead of people deciding for them
I didn’t have a say in it and because of brexit as we don’t know whats going to happen to the good Friday agreement
I think because it will affect my future, I should be allowed to vote
If the individual has been educated to vote for policies rather then the tribal loyalty of their parents
It set up our own assembly elected by proportional representation with the executive being elected was the honest method which is democratically fair. It also brought the decomissioning of paramilitary organisations.
16 year olds are mature enough to makea rational vote and this gives an opportunity for everyones voice to be heard
The past was vey horrible and the Good Friday agreement brought about more peace and brought an end to the troubles.
Everyone should have an equal right to vote
There is less riots and people get along with each other well
16 yr olds have more to live so they’ll be there for the future
Coming from another country not speak their language. Skin colour
I think will be great to let people who is age 16 to vote because they will ex prime their views
If we are living in this country to and we should be able to influence important decisions
I don’t know what it was like before the agreement, but im educated that there is more peace and cohesion nowadays
Well I think majority of people would want this personally I don’t care
As catholic and protestant communities more together than before
Some very immature 16 years olds about who thinkits all a laugh
Listening to my mums childhood we definitley have more oppourtunities now. But if Stormont don’t set back to work soon I fear for our future!
I think you have to be at least 18 as at 16 you may not care enough to give a valid vote
It effects everyone's future, its unfair that 16 years olds cannot vote
Neighbourhoods tend to exlude people from different countries- bullying, harassing people// children which were not born in the UK
Why should the lives of younger people be decided by elders?
Less riots are happening however; immigrants are now being targeted and isolated by society
Influence from the people around me in school mainly
I believe that since the good Friday agreement things have gotten better but it could be largely undone depending on what happens wth the border after Brexit. I think that if there was a hard border it could greatly spark tensions between Catholic and Protestant communities
Because the laws made will almost certainly impact on me so I wish to have my say
Yes because it brought an end to the years of violence and made Northern Ireland safer for Protestants and Catholics
I was not born and I didn’t learned it in school. They are always argueing and they disagree in everything
It is effecting younger peoples future so they should have a right to vote.
There has been a better relationship between Catholics and Protestants since the agreement and theres been more events, activities…etc featuring both religious groups
My community which is strong nationalist feel that the need for any interaction from the unionist community is uneeded whicg is rather unfortunate and shows th edivide that still exists between us.
Many 16 year olds are politically literate and are fully capable of making that decision
The agreement eventually brought along the ceasefire and RUC reform, meaning I didn’t need to worry about being lifted by a policeman or being gunned down by a paramilitary everytime I leave the house.
The more politicians disagree and cast bias opinion the worse the situation gets.
Decisions made by the older generations will affect us more then the us will have to live with the decisions we did want.
It has brought the days of outright and uncontrolled voilence to near extinction within NI and showed the world that NI is a place that people can invest in and build a future.
I feel that we could not make a sensible decision
Paramilitaries are not killing as many people on a dailt basis. Normal Northern Ireland people can go about their daily lives without the threat of bombs.
As the adults of tomorrow have no say on how their world is right now.
As the troubles ended thus hate crime and violence had been reduced
I think at 16 people are concious enough to vote
Of course its done good where I go now would have had the shit bombed out of it 20 years ago
16 year olds have little to no knowledge to do with this I think 18 is a good age.
I think most 16 year olds wouldn’t take voting seriously
I think the good Friday agreement has brought more peace to our country. Without it there may still be customs and border control at the borders and that would make my daily life extremely hard, seeing as I live right beside the border.
My generation is the future and it will include us in important issues
Now, people have learned to live together as a community. There no longer is fighting. More people have started to treat each other with respect, which sets good exampled for my generation and other generations
Young people should be allowed a say in their country
Most people in my generation don’t care if you are protestant or catholic, however they may still feel strongly about their own, it doesn’t make them hate to the other religion, this ia as my generation didn’t experience "the troubles" and don’t care about them or religion.
At 16 most people arent mature or educated enough to vote!
I believe from what it used to be it is a safer place from hate/prejuded crime for the protestant and catholic community
Nearly all 16 year olds I know are politically iliterate and would just vite for who they get told they should vote for
It put an end to most of the violence and has allowed us to grow as a society as a result.
16 year ol people are educated if not more so on politics as older genrations
I appreciate the attempt to join British and Irish governements in the governing of the provence
Knuckle down on bonfires with flags from other side
Some are mature by that age others are still too biased
I sometimes feel as though I have been restricted in forming relationships with other community due to the tensions in my community.
People Before Profit and sometimes SDLP and Alliance
I believe many 16 year olds are politically interested and should be able to vote
I believe it has as it brought about the end of the Troubles and thefore made the country safer
Because if it was lowered to 16 we'd have a say.
I wasn’t born in the times before the good Friday agreement
We should have a say on what goes on this is the society we grew up in!
It has reduced the fighting between the communities
Political leaders are faiiling on the matter
It ended the conflict and secured a lasting peace for tired peoples
Because there would be more people voting which gives a better representation
Because I havent been broughtuo with any violence or troubles
They have come a long way but could be improved more cross community events especially with children I post primary schooll.
The issues, such as Brexit should be voted on by 16 year olds as they are the ones who have to live with the consequences
It created peace in NI and we have come a long way since the troubles, but NI still improvements it could make, especially regarding cross community
Majority of people would either be immature or uninterested
I am uninformed on the agreement and what it contained
The politics in NI is what is holding up better community relations
At the age of 16 you are allowed to join the army but not vote
Because there isnt any violence between communities as much as there isnt that big of a divide anymore
Because issues affect us at 16 years old
Stormont is not working. Politicians care about themselves and their party rather than important issues like health, education etc.
16 is old enough to understand and have an opinion on political issues
Cross community relations have improved. Tourists visiting NI. Economy improved (local shops)
Young people are more informed than is thought
Community relations will more than likely remain the same for a long time as there are people in this society that have been indoctrinated by fiends and family from a young age to believe certain stereotypes about ceratin groups of people meaning changing their beliefs willl be extremely hard and would require lots of time and money. The only way to change these community relations long term would be to abolish organisations such as the orange order who discriminate against ceratin groups of people (for example singing songs about killing catholics in catholic areas)
It will affect our lives more as we are younger
It prevented a lot of violence however could be concidered a sacrafice of the six counties which increased tension between the catholic and protestant communities
Certain areas in Northern Ireland are affected more than others
We are the future generation so we should be able to put our points and views across
Yes to a certain extent it has helped but conflict can still remain in specific areas, our political parties don't agree so we have no government.
Decisions made by political parties can affect our future
I think that values influencing how people treat each other are strongly influenced by parents, who in my experience tend to be quite extreme and unwilling to accept differences. Therefor stoping their children being able to develop their own opinions. This affect Community relationships in NI as people my age (16-17) create lots of friction based on their peers religion
Northern Ireland‚Äôs future is heavily influenced by pupils voting, as 16 year olds will be living the results of these results and how we (16 year olds) tend to have a more sectarian and open mindedness to things, we‚Äôd be miss represented if we are not allowed to vote. However I also think that many 16 -17 year old can be very immature and brash, this however shouldn‚Äôt restrict others who truly want their opinion heard
I don‚Äôt fully understand what it is or it‚Äôs impacts,
I don‚Äôt feel comfortable as they are intimidating and feel that we owe them something. In my community minority ethnic groups are always involved in crime such as, attempted kidnaps and as a young girl this makes me uncomfortable going out in my own town
Personally I don‚Äôt know as some people aren‚Äôt as aware and clued in as other when it comes to knowing what they will benefit from when they vote  -
The paramilitary attacks aren‚Äôt a biolent as what I had heard my family talk about
Just the label that gets put on people i dont really know -
Because people still understand what they are doing at 16, its their future
A lot of 16 year olds don't understand politics, which could have dangerous impacts.
Not mature enough to make decisions involving big decisions
I think it should be lowered as young people are the future of the country and we should be able to vote for what we think is best for us and our futures.
I think it has, as it stopped the major division which happened before the agreement and it made people more open minded about other communities living in NI - it also ended the troubles which were going on for number of years
Too many young people that would vote for just ‚Äúgreen and orange‚Äù. -
It's the future of the youth that the people of northern Ireland are voting for and to not give the youth a say in the matter makes no sense.
It stopped the majority of the trouble but the violence isn't over. On both sides there are still many people who will never let the divide go and it's starting to show on the young people too. A lot of fighting and sectarianism from teenagers still today towards the 'enemy'.
I've never had any good experiences with them only bad
There are too many immature people who are still 16
i believe i am well informed about politics and i am mature enough to make decisions about our country
ended a lot of discriminating eg employment
Culture differences, they feel like they do not belong and are mad.
If the schools taught about politics I believe we would be mature enough to vote for our beliefs
It helped to keep the peace but now we are oblivious and do not care enough to discriminate agaisnt other religions most people i know are atheists.
I am essentially treated as an adult. On a day to day basis I am told to act my age and set an example because I am not a child anymore. I am old enough to have a job, book my own medical appointments etc however I find it ridiculous that when the subject of voting is brought up I am told I am too young not yet responsible enough to handle the decision. Well unfortunately I am old enough to handle the decision. It's mine and other young people's world and we should have a say in how it is going
I have had some bad experiences with people from different ethnic groups such as bullying and harassment
18 is going enough, a lot of young people don't understand politics like myself so they don't really care
There is not a significant difference in the maturity and common sense of the average 16- and 17-year-olds and the average 18-year-old.
It was a significant part of the process in reducing violence in Belfast and other troubled areas of Northern Ireland, as evidenced by the years following the agreement.
I think 16 year olds are mature enough to vote
i feel the relationship between protestants and Catholics are substantial at the moment, but fear when Brexit takes place it will become the same as it was 20-25 years ago.
we are all going to be living in northern Ireland/Ireland everyone should have a right to say how they feel things should lay out just because there are those older than us does not mean we do not have a say and wont be affected by the outcome.
there is still no evidence of a completely equal society, conflicts still occur.
I have many friends from lots of different religions so I feel religion isn‚Äôt that big of a deal these days
I still don‚Äôt feel 16 years is mature enough
It ensures that the events that happened during the troubles did not ensue
They have improved somewhat in the past few years however there is still a lot of stigma between of some the communities
i believe that lowering the voting age would help many young people be able to express their own beliefs and help contribute towards improving a world which will one day be left for them.
The agreement brought an end to a conflict that had been plaguing the country for years and made this country a much safer place
becuase only one side of the deal was upheld, an irish language act was promised but was never nade
I'm not sure because if it was lowered to 16 they wouldn't know who to vote for. On the other there are some 16 year olds who are interested in politics and would know who they want to vote for
It has made northern Ireland a better place as it allowed power sharing in politics , the decomissing of weapons the creation of th PSNI and the police obudsman
Whilst peace walls are erected, there is always going to be lingering decision between two communities. Always going to be physically decided
We are the youth of Northern Ireland, factors that are voted on effect our lives and the future we have to live in so why shouldn‚Äôt we be able to vote on our own future? Implement changes that we want to see
Allowed a more representative government to be in place and represent the the catholic people. Also allowed the fate of Northern Ireland to be placed in the hands of the people and decide when they would want a referendum on a United Ireland. Started cross community relationships and allowed a building process to commence between two conflicted communities
People of 16 are still under a lot of influence from their parents.
I have heard of how bad it was to live in NI during the troubles.
I have a strong feeling that religion will always play a part in the way people see each other in Northern Ireland. While these relations have significantly improved, there will, unfortunately, always be prejudice against others.
!6 is the age for medical consent, and I believe that if we are able to choose what medicines and treatments we receive, we should also have a say in how our country, that we live in, should be governed.
The Good Friday Agreement has allowed the people of Northern Ireland the freedom to vote on issues they are passionate about without facing prejudice for their religion. Also, it has allowed the public to be relatively free of paramilitary groups which terrorize some communities.
Certain communities in certain places are quite (and too) divided.
I'm not sure I'm well enough educated about politics to make an informed decision.
It allowed the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain to compromise and put an end to the troubles.
Lack of experiance talking to those people
We are mature enough to leave school and go to work. In the end, the biggest effects which come from referendums such as brexit will be on us. We should get to vote for our future.
It has reduced conflict from the extent it reached in the troubles.
Things happening in Northern Ireland have an affect on us teenagers too and so I believe we should have a say
Ba cheart go mbeadh v??ta ag daoine at?° 16 mbliana d‚Äôaois de thairbhe go dt?©ann a l?°n de na ruda?? i bhfeidhm orainn chomh maith ar n??s fhosta??ocht, oideachais srl. Agus ag an bhomaite t?° na daoine f?°sta ag d?©anamh preachas ioml?°n de ch??rsa?? sna s?© chontae.
A lot of the changes implemented so far have made positive change such as releasing innocent republican men/women from jail following internment in the British occupied six counties but unfortunately a lot of the promises made in the good Friday agreement such as an Irish Language Act have yet to be fulfilled due to the bigoted DUP.
Probably the SDLP, although I am not the most educated in this area, but definitely the more moderate parties.
In today's society with information at our fingertips and a much higher level of education, we should be able to influence the decisions that affect the society we are about to enter as young adults. For instance, university and education policies.
It gave people closure to the times known as the Troubles and dealt with issues that allowed people to move on. Although atrocities have still been committed since the Agreement was signed, I have not grown up in fear in a post-Agreement world and so believe Northern Ireland is a much better place to live now.
Many 16 year old's have formed political views that are as valid as anyone else's and they will have to live with the decisions being made and their future consequences, therefore they should have a say.
Important in ending the Troubles - not necessarily perfect but definitely was a major step in the right direction.
16 year olds don't always know about the voting options available
I think it would be more beneficial as we would be able to have a say on our future
I feel like it has made northern ireland a better place to live as everyone can live in peace and be classified as the religion/nationality they feel
I don't think 16 years old is old enough to make informed decisions about politics
It has helped to end violence and prejudice in Northern Ireland
While some people at the age of 16 are mature others are not so lowering the voting age to 16 may not be the best idea and so I am not sure
Before the Good Friday Agreement Norther Ireland was a violent and dangerous place to live and work with people being in constant fear of paramilitary attacks. Now due to the Good Friday Agreement relative peace prevails in Northern Ireland -
They are considerably better than they were many years ago, but there is still a long way to go until all these barriers are completely broken down.
Many of the issues talked about are concerning young people who are aged 16, and it is unfair that they do not get a say in how the decisions go.
I believe i have a good enough understanding and most votings will affect my generation not the generation  voting.
i don't know enough about it if anything at all to be able to make a judgement  -
Don't get to understand their way of living or culture, such as speaking different languages, cuisine or way of living in general.
People are too ignorant to one another and profile one another based on their beliefs, clothes or names etc.
Sinn Fein or SDLP to an extent, however both have did very little at all to help with the current situation Stormont is in
Because we are not mature enough at 16, even when I am 18 I may vote but have little interest in it as parties do a bad job in Northern Ireland
Because it gives catholics a better freedom of idenity as Irish people and also increases our chances of a united Ireland
I don‚Äôt believe people are mature enough at age 16 to be authorised with the power to vote. It may lead to more serious issues.
you can fight in wars for your country but cannot make a change in your own country
Younger people would make a difference in the say of decisions and may also be more enthusiastic than voters of the older generation, who may be only voting for the sake of it. I feel younger people also have an important opinion that matters.
It has decreased street fighting, bombings, shootings etc.which stopped people being put of homes and loss of family. It brought a temporary government to Northern Ireland.
the younger generation is the ones having to lie with the consequences of an older generations vote which isn‚Äôt fair and lowering the voting age would likely result in us being more educated about politics in school
16 year olds should have the option to vote
Sinn F?©in, but I wish they would take their bloody seats and
Voters should mostly be relatively well-informed about their opinions and have thought about them over time. The law on this should err on the side of caution, and lowered to 16 seems like a larger risk than necessary
We actually got a bloody functioning local government for once. It certainly wasn't perfect, but it opened an avenue for uniting Ireland through political means instead of via violence, and at the very least showed that if we tried hard enough then everyone could stop bickering for a bit and sort something out, at least for a while
As a politics student I have the knowledge of how the voting system works and of political parties, even if I didn‚Äôt do politics, I still have the ability to make my own decisions of the country I live in
Paramilitary violence has drastically changed and the Troubles are not an issue for young people anymore, they just learn about it
People who are older  are making decision for the further which the 16 year old who can‚Äôt vote will have to life with
because of my belief in protesantism and my disbelief in ethnic groups coming to try take what we have in our country.
because its is the youngers generations future aswell and they should also have a say.
My home of birth. Mainly my nationality plays a role in my gramar school.
most of the popel in my community have a lot of respect for each other as well as showing the same amoint of respect to protestant people. Although htis is mainly the case, i have witnessed in past some drejudiced and discriminative actions towards people of different religions and ethnicity groups.
in my opinion at 16 years of age we are influenced by media and other peoples opinions. we can be manipulated and we often dont have our own point of view and sometimes we are scared and unsure of our personal opinions. 18 is the age for voting as I believe that we can become a little bit mature and have a better undertsading of what voting and polittics is all about.
i have never heard of this agreement before so I don't currenlty have an opinion on this. What i can say is that this is a day of peace for both Irish and British citizens of Northern Ireland so yes, it is a good think overall.
I believe we should have the chance to vote as I don‚Äôt fully agree that our opinions are listened to or are considered.
It has delt with the issues that caused conflict  in the past 30 years and I think it has made Northern Ireland a better place to live in my to an extent
I don‚Äôt think enough 16 year olds are educated enough to make that decision and also do not care enough to make a decision like that
Yes, the Sinn Fein representative from my town lives across from me and a had his card burnt out a few years back and there have also been union paramilitary members live on our street, all of which have been dealt with by police, however, this just shows how Northern Ireland can't escape the past, I have never seen any improvement in cross-community relationships
There is a fine line at the age of 16, some people will know about politics and will have an idea of there own agenda, some people will just vote for someone because it's either protestant or Catholic. If you lowered the voting age to 16 nothing would change apart from more people complaining
Yes the past is still with us in that there are still people being killed far too often and there are still plenty of illegal weapons in the country , however if you look back at the 3500or so deaths during the troubles it is clear to see that there has been a decrease,
Children of 16 ages are effected by political decisions
Northern Ireland should become apart of Ireland again
politicians decisions will ultimately effect teenagers
Youths don‚Äôt fight with each other because of religion, they just fight because young men like to fight, and there are less repercussions if you fight with someone from the other culture. 99% of my friends are one religion because of the school I attended, but I don‚Äôt know anyone who is really sectarian.
16 is not mature enough, you are an idiot when you are 16
We would still be in the middle of a war otherwise
I think 16 year olds should have larger say as we are the future of this country not the middle aged people who currently have a say who may be gone in a few years. One of the things I feel strongly about is climate change I think the older generation should be much more interested in it as they make the decisions we have to deal with them. For example Northern Ireland should have a bigger involvement with renewable sources of energy and promote the reduction of meat consumption as it is one of
Just wary as we don't speak the same language and things may be misunderstood.
They are getting better but there is still a divide across the country although this may not be as obvious as in previous years.
Changing the voting age to 16 would allow the younger generation to voice their opinion and influence the country.
It stop the major attacks and allowed Northern Ireland to grow and expand from past events. It allowed tourism to bloom in the years after and stop residents of Northern Ireland having to live carefully. -
I feel like younger people are less prejudiced towards eachother than they were in previous generations, which i feel is likely due to the gap between the troubles and now.
I feel as though 16 year olds are mature enough to consciously make decisions about their opinions and futures, and so should be allowed to vote for their beliefs if they choose
They conflict reduced significantly, and has made life safer for both sides of the agreement, and has allowed people to be able to connect with other groups easier and safer
people are of a understsnding of politics at 16yrs
because my parents were brought up in the troubles and its - not like that now
Not entirely, but parties such as Alliance and SDLP
If we take the example of Brexit - that decision will hugely impact us; people turning 19 this year were only 16 when the vote took place, so this directly affects them even though they weren't of legal age to share their opinions. At 16, despite not being an adult, we care about our futures and understand enough about politics to cast a well thought out and careful vote. I am turning 17 this year and Brexit still seems to be a confusing mess, I'll be attending university next year and I still d
It has ensured that the government is a democracy equally representing most people living in NI
At the age of 16 we are still legally children and the majority are immature and clueless about politics to know what they are even voting for. At the age of sixteen its too much pressure to worry about who we are going to vote for.
It is probably as good as anywhere in the world. It's not perfect but it's fairly good.
You can fight and die at 16 for your country but not vote for it.
It initiated peace in Northern Ireland that had not been present for years.
The relationship between people in certain areas is fine but there are people from different groups that wouldn‚Äôt walk through a street full of loyalist flags as I wouldn‚Äôt but it‚Äôs the same as loyalists not wanting to walk through a street full of republican paintings/flags
Politics needs more young voices as a lot of the people that are older are always stuck on voting for the same thing and won‚Äôt change there mind as having younger ages being able to vote I think there would be a better view on politics while also educating younger people
I don't know. My interests tend to evolve elsewhere
It makes me very sad to see how divided the country is, young people today seem to be some of the only people willing to work together.
Politicians feel no pressure to listen to the needs of young people, as they aren't able to vote. Introducing policy which harms young people will not make a difference to their share of the vote, as young people aren't included in the elections. Having a vote at 16 would of course lead to some people voting as their parents do, or some votes being manipulated by parents etc. but a much larger percentage of people would get involved in politics at an earlier stage, and help shape the future of t
The Good Friday Agreement was and still is vitally important to the safety of the people of Northern Ireland. It was an amazing achievement which should be rightfully celebrated. The decommissioning of weapons was crucial to how safe we feel today compared to what we would have felt if we were 20 years older.
i live here too so i should be able to vote -
Negative social media and news articles (ie. about refugees being criminals) and large groups of ethic minorities in streets who only seemingly loiter.
I get the impression that racial/prejudice/sectarian attacks are on the rise.
Due to the increasing interest in politics and policies, (ie. politics classes, class discussions, social media and news websites/apps) many teenagers find themselves more politically aware than there more elderly counterparts and should therefore be allowed to express their opinions. Plus long term policies such as Brexit may have a greater impact on us.
It brought an end to the troubles and although violence is still present. it is at far lower levels than it was before the good Friday agreement, it also give the impression that Northern Ireland was a much safer place than before and so helped boast its prosperity.
Because 16 year olds are going to be directly affected by there decisions in the near future
Made it safer and made people more respectful of other people‚Äôs communities
16 year olds can legally do so many things, like  get married, have kids, live independently and are expected to make decisions that will effect the rest of their like like A Levels or to leave school. Why shouldn‚Äôt they be able to vote for politicians that will be making decisions about the rest of their life?
It helped put an end to the troubles in Ireland, saving countless lives. It also helped to reduce the sectarianism and removed British troops from Northern Ireland. Which was hated in nationalist areas.
Lowering the age of voting will allow more of the younger generation to be able to have the freedom of speech with their opinions.
The Good Friday agreement has decreased the amount of violence in Northern Ireland.
not that many 16 year olds follow politics
I feel 16 to 17 year olds have a good sense of politics and what should be done in response to certain issues
If 16 year olds were allowed to vote, the brexit outcome may have been greatly different.
it would only be fair if the young people had a vote
As most people would have no idea what or who they are voting for like myself
Often other nationalities and minorities in Northern Ireland can act entitled and very often act as if they have a right to facilities and areas.
Millennials are far to easily swayed in opinion by the media and others such as friends. At 18, individuals are legal adults and are better suited to making there own conscientious decisions regarding politics. 16 is too young.
Although I am not proud of the slight prejudice I hold against some minority ethnic groups, I am aware that it exists and I think that it is due to the negative thoughts,feelings and opinions which some of my peers have which are somewhat transferred to me.
I think that for a while, relations were notably better, however due to the political changes to do with topics such as brexit, refugees, and the lack of government in Northern Ireland, relations seem to have deteriorated yet again.
We are more mature and responsible than we are given credit for. We should be able to make decisions which effect our future.
It was a respectable treaty which sought to reconcile the two different traditions in Ireland at the time, however just like any political movement/change, there is going to be different conflicting opinions regarding the matter.
Not mature enough to research decisions properly
If the whole island of Ireland had been owned by either the UK or Ireland then the conflict between Ireland and the UK over Northern Ireland  may not be going on today. However, conflict would be huge over the decision of whether Ireland or the UK should own the island.
I do not have an interest in politics at this age
I would like to have a say in matters of my own country as the decisions will affect my generation.
people stop killing each other but the uk still dont give a shit
Brexit is ruining the country and dividing people
Its our future, we are we not allowed to decide what happens
It has brought peace, and has brought the different communities together
Probably due to the media's pitrayl of people from ethnic minorities
The community arts funding is awful and there is not enoigh cross community work.
As in regarding to brexit, the changes made will be the changes to affect our generation therefore we should be allowed a vote. If you can raise a child you should surely have the mental capacity to play a part in making a decision that's going to affect you for the rest of your life...
As it's obviously stopped a lot of violence however it hasn't changed everything it's just made it a more habitable environment
Although personally I would take part, a lot of people my age wouldn't fully think things through and ultimately it could be worse than it not being lowered
It has because although relations aren't perfect, it is a safer and more accepting place compared to before the agreement was signed
By 16 people are mature and have developed their opinion on issues to have the vote.
Ended the troubles and a more fair and less Unionist biased government was formed
Still living and basing opinions of the events in the past.
By age 16, people have developed a well judged and educated decision about politics and should have the right to have their voice heard
It was a peaceful solution to the troubles
I think the voting age should be decrease because the choices our elders make are impacting our future and not theirs. The lower the age, the more likely it is for younger people to make positive changes, for the future that they believe in
Im not sure if it has or hasn't,its been a while since i learnt about it
because adults are voting for a future in northern Ireland one in which half them are not gonna be in were as the younger generation is and should be allowed to vote for what they want there future to be
it has prevent violence and has set boundaries for the 2 main religions in Ireland to con inside with each other
I believe decisions made have an impact on our futures - e.g  Brexit
I'm unaware of it's clauses but a I think a move away from the troubles is a definitely positive
The brexit referendum will affect young people more than the older generation as it will influence their future
Relationships between catholics and protestants are less violent than the troubles -
Most 16 year olds don't have a clue how the world works
Younger generation is affected by the older generations decision
politicians make decisions affecting our futures and not the older generation who have already lived
creates equality amount the people of Northeren Ireland
I hope in 5 years I am wrong and they do improve.
I don‚Äôt it would be very beneficial as I think most 16 year olds are more interested in social media rather than politics.
I think that community relations in northern Ireland have and will continue to improve because I think people are less prejudice
I believe that 16 year olds should be trusted to make an informed decision when it comes to voting because its our future that is affected when political decisions are made and its frustrating to not be able to control it.
Older people get to vote on making change for our future, when we will have to live
I haven‚Äôt been taught enough about this to make a judgement
I think there will be a new 'troubles' in years to come as there is a big uproar and conflict between protestants and catholics in regards to borders, the way the countries are divided and laws to do with the two countries.
Some 16 year olds are not sure what they would vote for as they are either immature and haven't got an interest or haven't been given an explaination as to what they bare voting for. On the other hand other 16 year olds are very up to speed and want to have a say about what the country will be like when they are adults. The older generation have to understand that the laws that they are putting in place are for those 16 year olds who are going to have to deal with the laws that have been put the
Mainly how Protestants feel they can intimidate catholics
these elections and political decision are or will be affecting me and my future I feel strongly that I should have a say and have an input on my views and and opinions
The good friday agreement is what has ended most violence and conflict between catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. I believe recent political violence threatening the good Friday agreement as a result of Brexit proves this is what has kept peace here so far and that it will still need to be improved upon
In my humble opinion, i believe that such important voting opportunities such as Brexit or any other, should be open to ages 16+ as it is important that our views and opinions are taken into consideration especially due to the fact that these decisions may impact our future lifestyles.
Young people are heavily effected by politics in comparison to the older demographic. This mainly applies to topics such as gay marriage and then student loans etc. With the resources at our finger tips young people are becoming more politically aware of their surroundings and have the right to express their beliefs
Sinn Fein but sometimes also SDLP and Alliance
Younger people are generally more open minded and don‚Äôt have traditional views that older generations have. I think lowering the voting age could contribute to a more progressive society. Additionally, I think younger people are becoming more engaged in politics and this could further their interest.
The violence in Northern Ireland has decreased significantly and I feel that most catholics and Protestants are more accepting of each other
It can be alot of pressure for someone at the age of 16.
The age should be lowered to 16 because it's OUR FUTURE ahead of us that will be affected not people who have already studied and found work.
Sinn Fein (Gerry Adams and Michelle O‚Äôneill)
What the outcome of the vote is has a major impact on what 16 year olds and their future
The Good Friday agreement,Helped ensure that both Catholics and protestants have This CM political Power and social standing within in Northern Ireland
It affects our future, which we should be in control of
it has promoted more equal rights for Irish citizens and has helped the Irish speaking community
16 year olds have a maturity level very comparable to 18 year olds
It has because there is less polarisation, which means less conflict
At 18 we have more of an idea of what beliefs and what we want for ourselves but also our community's and country. At 16 we wouldn't have a wide knowledge of the politics and how they actually work, we only have an idea.
It has made Northern Ireland in ways more peaceful towards each other. Although it has not eliminated all division and tension between protestants and catholic but it has reduced it.
The Media, EG- Muslims are terrorists etc
it shouldn't be changed as people younger may be too immature and not know enough about who they are voting for
There has been less crimes between Protestants and Catholics, EG-  car bombings etc
It‚Äôs us who have to grow up in the decision being made
Conflict is still bad but not as bad as it was
I think young adults need a chance to speak at the age of 16 and let their views be heard
I think it has made it a safer place for us to live compared to all them years ago and we have more freedom and a chance to live our lives
Young people should have a say in their future and not have it dictated by older people who cannot understand that times are changing and we do not still live in the 20th century.
I think it has strengthened the relationship with NI and ROI
ideally yes but we need to learn more about northern irish politics in school -
I don't know if it has as i cant remember what we were taught about it
Because it‚Äôs our future that the voting affects not 80 year old pensioners
While I think that relations have improved, there will always be people who discriminate against members of their community because of their religion, ethic background or political opinion. There is too much history behind the divisions in Northern Ireland for there not to be.
Specifically with the Brexit vote, by the time we leave, people who were 16 at the time of the vote will now be at the voting age and being effected by a vote they didnt get a say on. Overall, most teenagers today take an active interest in politics and the more people voting, the more democratic the system is.
The Good Friday Agreement brought about the ceasefire of all political groups in Northern Ireland, and while there is still paramilitary violence to this day, the presence of paramilitaries in ordinary life has been greatly reduced, making people feel safe in their own communities.
no because people at 16 are still maturing and should learn more before voting
I think 16 year old should be able to choose politicians to represent them
i believe in ethnic diversity, although in the Protestant Community (in which i was raised) I think it is disgusting that 12 July is used to celebrate the defeat and killing of catholic people and that it is still allowed to continue to this day.
people aged 16 and over can work and provide for the economy so therefore they should be able to influence politically.
it has brought peace to northern Ireland. I have never know a time when there was not (relative) peace.
Let's the people decide what they want and not leave it to government
i think other people‚Äôs opinions get into your head! even though i may not want to think those opinions, my head will just say it and afterwards i‚Äôm annoyed because i don‚Äôt want to have those thoughts and quickly think about it and not prejudge
some 16:17 year olds are still very immature! they may make a wrong decision or not really think about what desision they are making or how it may affect others. i think they should have their say and opinions, but not to officially vote
I don't know what i would be voting for- not enough knowledge
Should change it to 16 because other people have an opinion
We are allowed to leave school and start to get jobs. As such I think we should be able to have our opinions expressed better by being able to vote for ourselves, as we are now actually becoming a part of society.
I was not around during the time before the agreement, as such I'm not able to say whether I find it better as all i have are second hand tellings of what was occurring.
Young people still have valid educated opinions
Less terrorism and more committment to getting along from both sides
The future is the young people of the country.
If the government goes back I would say to try and get all different religions and ethnic groups to work better together
I believe that if we have opinions we should be able to get them across rather than be silenced
Over the last few years the clash between Catholics and Protestants have risen again
Young people aren‚Äôt always experienced enough to make an informed decision on who/what to vote for
Better relations between Catholics and Protestants
I feel like they are taking our jobs and living off the state.
16 is too young for people to make that decision
If there was no Good Friday agreement the troubles would probably still be happening
Because young people should be allowed to vote for things to change for their future.
Because it has brought a bit of peace to Northern Ireland and people are now a bit more understanding than what they used to be back in the day.
As I am 16 I do not think that my peers have the maturity to vote in elections and I do not think I would be capable of doing so as I don‚Äôt quite understand politics well enough to vote.
We should be allowed to vote as it will impact our future more than older citizens who have the ability to vote. Regardless of our age we should have a say in our future.
I think the younger generation should have a say as well because it is their future that will be affected
People my age are too easily influenced and shouldn‚Äôt vote
Everyone forms their own opinions based on what someone looks like, wears or how they speak no matter what religion or ethnic group they belong to.
Young adults should be involved in the decisions made about the country they live in whether that may affect them directly or indirectly.
Community relations have improved greatly between Protestants and Catholics although there is still a long way to go due to people from both sides still living in the past and being close minded.
People stand up for one another although brexit is going to cause extreme issues with nationalist and unionists.
We are to young to truly understand what we are voting for and could be easily swayed
reduced the hate between differnet groups
Parents need to do more to discourage prejudices in their children to improve community relations.
It‚Äôs important to give young people a say in the way our country is run. We are the ones who have to live with the decisions made now, so we should be able to voice our opinion on them.
There is less conflict now than there was 20 years ago. I feel safer than my parents felt when they were my age.
Because we should have a say in very important events such as brexit
I think there has been an increase in discrimination towards minority groups rather than between Catholicism and Protestantism.
It is unfair that only our elders can decide our future. We deserve to have a say.
I cannot voice my opinion if I am not educated or informed on this topic.
I think there is room for improvement but there is still a long way to go
I think we should have a say in decisions that affect our future
I think it helped us to move forward in the integration of our communities
People may be immature and vote anyone for the sake of casting a vote.
The community relations are good. But in certain circumstances it can improve more as some people feel like they are not included.
16 year olds are not mature enough to make decisions. Especially important things like voting. For example drinking age is 18 and there is a reason.
Good Friday agreement made a settlement but its not guaranteed that it will not go back into fighting.
I feel that if Brexit had been opened to 16+ then the UK would have voted to remain in the EU, which I would prefer.
I feel through the agreement, violence has been reduced.
Movement away from strict religion seems to be improving community relations
Most 16 year olds will be too influenced by their parents and their closed communities
Ended violence and created a more representative devolved government
We don‚Äôt get a say in what goes on in Northern Ireland
I can say this with hope and prosperity, that the relations between nationalists and unionists will continue to improve over the years to come.
I believe that 16 year olds nowadays are more politically enlightened, and should have a say in what goes on within their own country.
As the conflict has mostly ceased compared to what it was.
I feel that a divided society, causes problems. As more people from different parts of the world live in the UK/NI, problems arise.
I believe moderate's from both sides of the community get along well, its just more extremists don't get along.
Majority of 16 year old's have a good enough understanding. 16 year old's have the right to work and be protected by the law, so they should have a say.
Introduced a government and stopped conflict.
How other people stereotype them has an influence on how I see them
I would feel more confident in voting when I am 18
16 year olds are the future of Northern Ireland and we should absolutely have a say in our own future
Everyone feels prejudiced towards others. It‚Äôs just what we do
It is our future. We should not let someone who may not be here change OUR future
relations between teenages of different communities are slowly improving but its the infulence of parents/ older figures that cause divide
alliance sdlp and people before profit, alongside certain aspects of sinn fein but i largely disagree with many policies
no need, our voice will b eheard in two years. it may also lead to a slippery slope
while community relations are good at the minute i fear Brexit and the Irish border could make the violence of the troubles come back.
i feel like 16 year olds should have had a decision when voting to leave the EU in the brexit referendum
I believe at this age a personally is mentally and emotionally mature enough to make informed decisions about our community -
There is a more relaxed atmosphere however it is clear that tensions still remain -
We should have a say in what is going to happen in our future as we are the next generation and will be growing up with the decisions made
I believe the young people in Northern Ireland have a lot to offer and that  our voices should be heard by the government because we are the next generation.
Trust others in my sphere but don't trust others with less education and insight
Allowed the Troubles to officially end, making paramilitary activity more immoral
From the age of 16 I think teenagers should have the right to vote as they are no longer children but are young adults. Also the older generation are making decisions for the younger generation however (not to be blunt) but they are going to die before us and leave their outdated ideas and choices for our generation.
It has definitely made a difference for the better, there isn‚Äôt as much sectarianism related attacks etc. There is no longer internment which is brilliant for innocent people,also it has made the environment in which my generation are growing up in a lot more safe and happy.
16byear olds have a voice too and should tell people their opinions
i want to make a difference and voice my own personal opinion
I believe that 16 year olds are mature enough to make political decisions and to have their views fairly and equally represented.
It brought about an end to the violence caused by The Troubles.
I feel at sixteen you are able to make accurate decisions, and we should be given a choice too
We are still to young to form our own opinion
It has made Northern Ireland a safer and better economically place
I think that 16 years should be allowed to vite as ut is going to impact their future and how the political landscape will play out for years to come
There are both advantages and disadvantages to it
They should be included in big things like Brexit
Often seeing posts on Facebook about minority groups e.g.  romanians
Many younger people have more progressive views in my opinion
I feel like a lot of the younger generation are more knowledgeable on the topic of politics due to learning about the topic in school and through the use of social media. I feel like we, as a generation, are also more open-minded and more welcoming to change, than the older generation.
Personally I think the Good Friday Agreement has made Northern Ireland a better place to live as it ended the conflict that took place between the different paramilitary groups that existed.
I think that there are many people age 16 that have a political opinion and should be able to express it
Through talking with friends and families I can see how far we have come since then
It would provide me with encouragement to learn more about local politics so that I can form an opinion and influence my future at a younger age.
I think 16 year olds are neither mature enough nor are they educated enough and to tend to simply reiterate friend or family ideals.
Have to make the decision at an early age as it can change whatever way in the future
Relations can be dependant on upbringing so there will always be difference of opinion along with acceptance
Important decisions on the future of children have been decided by adults therefore voting age should be lowered
Both protestant and catholic communities are as bad as each other. However protestant communities seem to be labelled as worse. Catholic communities also seem to be able to say anything bad about protestant communities however if protestant communities say anything bad about catholic communities it almost turns into world war 3
DUP However i disagree with their attitudes towards the LGBT community. Sometimes alliance
A vast amount of 16 year olds are more knowledgeable about the politics of Northern Ireland than a lot of adults. Also the things we would be voting for affect 16 year olds future too, maybe more so than those older
I believe the agreement has settled things down a bit however there is still a huge amount of conflict and hatred towards the british. Conflict is especially prominant now as there have been recent IRA attacks
16 year olds are usually knowledgable and responsible enough to make informed decisions. Also, decisions made through voting will often affect them for the rest of their lives, so they should have a say.
As the area I live in is mostly mixed (around 60/40 Protestant) it means very little to most people in the area. However the small subsections of area‚Äôs who use flags or painted curbs to intimate local people is simply unacceptable. Their is a very clear and obvious difference between celebrating ones culture and using it to perpetrate fear.
Huge decisions like Brexit are things that affect younger generations more than older generations yet they hold all the power and have the most to gain financially from it. The young suffer from the choices of the old.
I don't know what it was like before the agreement.
Overall, i think everything is down to how Brexit plans out. I do think more events should be held in order to bring different ethnic groups together and closer as i think people decide on whether they like different ethnic groups by what and who they're influenced by
I think that 16 year olds should have a massive say on the decisions that are made. The decisions that are made affect 16 year olds when growing up and their future and will even affect their children and their future. Therefore i think 16 year olds should have one of the biggest says.
Community, social media and the people surrounding me
young people are going to be living here for longer, so why not let us make decisions that will affect us more?
The paramilitaries are not causing a threat to everyones lives now
not really, there‚Äôs just no point in all the arguing, if someone feels they are British, Irish, whatever, they are because they say they are
I‚Äôm not sure because i‚Äôm not very different to how i was at age 12-13 so i‚Äôm pretty much still a child but others the same age might be older and ready to vote and understand it all
I think it depends on the person and how open they are to the other religion.  Some people from different religions mix well, whereas others don't.
Some people may not be mature enough to properly think about who they're voting for, and what may happen if that person were to win.
it established a sense of ruling and peace among the people of NI.
16 year olds are entirely capable of forming political opinions and not allowing them to vote silences almost an entire generation
For a while allowed unionists and nationalists to cooperate and communicate and ensured neither was silenced
I would like to have a say in the future of this country especially now since so much is changing and going to impact on my future.
There's less fighting or at least less mass fighting between the loyalists and unionists
They seem to be slowly improving and there is greater respect than I have ever seen
I think it is abhorrent that in the brexit election the people that it will effect the longest (teens) were not given a say and yet people who will never see the effect got to vote on it. I also feel that political parties canvassing do not seem to care or give me time
Very simply it has ensured relative peace for the majority of my life. It had a power sharing government for 12 years total. Whilst it is currently collapsed I do believe it is better than the alternative
I do think the younger generation should have more or an opinion on the government and issues within our own country as we grow up feeling that we don't get listened to before we are 18, when most of us are making big decisions in our own lives even before 18 however some of the issues should be discussed on tv, social media,schools for more of an understanding to form an opinion.
I do not believe that the majority of 16 year olds are mature enough and know enough about the world and politics to vote
As this will be who the vote will be affecting in the future
One agreement cannot change everyones opinions
Sometimes the news has stories that focus on people from ethnic minorities in a bad light
Young people are angry and feel like they are not being listened to
If we're able to pay taxes we should be able to have say in what happens with that tax money
It put structures in place for the two sides to be able o live alongside one another
Everyone should be given a say in their future.
it  encouraged people to be more tolerant for each others well being.
I don't feel that people are mature enough to vote at this age.
I feel that it has been of some benefit but recently there has been multiple paramilitary style attacks
They never seem to get along with each other and always have something to say about them no matter what it is
This is because its their future and they should have the right to decide what it is going to be like
It lets everyone be seen as equals and not two divided groups
The results of the voting may heavily impact my future and I would like to have a voice in the matter.
It encouraged the preservation of peace.
I don‚Äôt feel that a 16 year old will have enough information to vote
It has made Northern Ireland a safer place to live
I think some people would not take voting seriously and i think you should be more mature about voting
18 years old is an arbitrary number and serves no benchmark of maturity, many 18 year olds are much less qualified to vote and show much less of an interest to do so
It ended the majority of sectarian conflict
I am very oblivious to the goings on of communities, so I have little more to offer on the subject -
Based on many of my peers, I doubt that many would be sure enough or well informed enough to make a proper choice and many votes would go unused
It was taught to me a while ago so my memory/knowledge of the subject is not very good
At 16 you are mature enough to make informed decisions. The EU referendum and the choice of Brexit will affect young people more in the future than those 50+, so they should be involved in decisions like this in the future. -
The Good Friday Agreement marked an end to the majority of conflict in Ni.
I believe that with Brexit, community relations will see an increase in hostility. Different views on the subject will cause tensions that I think should be avoided through having a second referendum. I also would like to say that I believe the ore diverse the community, the better the inhabitants will be at accepting one another. I think it is ridiculous that some areas around Belfast are so discriminatory or disrespect to other communities.
I believe that in this day and age, young people are becoming more and more mature. We are at a point where young people are forced to bare the consequences of huge, life changing decisions, and yet we have no say. It is despicable to me, that governments and society deem young people's opinions as having little importance, when due to social media and online news apps we are often just as (if not more) informed on main political and world wide issues. We young people often form very strong opin
Although its been a while since I last was taught about this agreement, I can remember the many benefits of the agreement and how it helped bring to an end the catastrophic violence the troubles reaped. It has definitely helped relations between catholic and protestant communities.
I don't think 16/17 year olds would be mature enough
I feel that in the last few years depsite progress in the past, relations have deteriorated between Catholics and Protestants around my age, I have witnessed quite a lot of hard feeling coming from both groups
The majority of 16 year olds have little to no interest in current affairs, if the majority of 16 year olds went out to vote many would make misinformed decisions
Relations between different groups have significantly improved since the period before the agreement
If you lower the age then minors/younger adults opinions and views will be heard
It has greatly reduced religious inspired agression
When there is a vote it is mainly for the young generations futures not for the older generation
It has brought a bit of peace between the catholics and Protestants
Views of different communities are hidden by most people
When your 16 you can understand politics and should have a voice to vote
Community relations in Northern Ireland aren't good at all. I go to an integrated school, however I still see discrimination form main white male protestants. People are quick to say that times have changed since they where kids, but as a 16 year old I don't believe they have, there may not be guns as widely available and what not but discrimination is still as strong as ever. I personally am not Catholic nor am I Protestant as I do not identify as a Christian and I believe if you are going to c
Personally I tend to find my self agreeing more with Sinn Fein and Green Party. This is for multiple reasons but the strongest reason that a I have is that I believe people should have a say over th
I believe the voting age should be lowered to 16, like Scotland because we are moving in to a time where 16 year old are starting to be considered more mature. People are quick to say that they will only vote for what their family votes for but however that same thing happens with 18 year old. I believe if we are taught about the different parties within school with and undaised approach we will make the correct decision for ourselves.
I believe that the good first agreement has somewhat bright peace between Cathlics an Protestants as for one that aren't publicly murdering each other. However I do believe that it won't be peaceful for much longer.
Mainly just people saying things and things on Tv, make me feel that maybe they are what people say, but im never to quick to judge
It really depends on the people some have worse relations between communities, others have better relations.
Its are future I think we should get a say in how things end up.
I feel that it kinda makes us feel that we still have some form of control
I believe most students aren't given adequate information about what their vote means and who they're voting for and I think a more informed decision would be made at 18.
It is an attempt at peace and the violence has significantly decreased since the signing of the agreement.
I think integrated schools should be wider spread and given more funding.
young people will be living in a world which the issues that people are voting on, so I think they should have a say
It has given people security in their place and that they belong here in Northern Ireland
They will only continue to get worse with Arlene Foster and the DUP in power
It is the lives of the young people which is decided for them in Parliament
while i think that its important for people my age to have more of a say, i know a lot of people who wouldn't think any sort of vote through and choose without thinking. keeping the age as it is may give them more time to mature in that sense
I think that at 16 people are able enough to make sensible decisions regarding politics, however if the age was to be lowered schools should take more action to educate this age group about voting and what they‚Äôre voting for.
I believe it has as it has given a voice to all sides of the community rather than just one, and has allowed communities that were previously in conflict to work together to move forward. I think it has been an essential part of the progress made in northern Ireland.
I wouldn‚Äôt have voted at 16 but I might have if my family had therefore personally I‚Äôve no opinion myself just yet
Don‚Äôt know a lot about it or life before it
I don't know it's just hard to not be sometimes.
Im 16 and I don't feel I know enough to give a good opinion.
It put an end to the conflict and made the Country a much safer place to live.
I don't know much about their ethnic group or religion
I feel like people my age don't really care if you are Protestant or Catholic etc. as it doesn't really come up in conversation very much.
At this age I'm still not really interested in politics but I know of people who are, so changing the age would benefit some people but not all people.
I haven't really learnt much about the Good Friday Agreement, but I hear my family talk about it.  It would be better if we learnt about it more as then we could see if it has made a difference or not.
It is our future. Younger people would not have voted leave.
It stopped the conflict from what I know
Because I‚Äôm half Chinese people always make snide remarks about me or stereotypes.
The reason I said no was solely because at 16 , my views and beliefs were influenced by my parents. I didn‚Äôt agree with what they were saying but didn‚Äôt know no better. I don‚Äôt really know much about politics either because it didn‚Äôt interest me at the time and it was sort of sidelined at school. I feel like most 16 year olds are not really that mature now so it should stay at 18
Because we are the future generation that‚Äôs going to be affected by these choices
It has because most society‚Äôs can now be inclusive with the opposing sides
parents and grandparents already have their children 'brainwashed' into not liking the other religion specifically protestant and catholic at a very young age. schools need to teach about what actually happened in the troubles and not teach different aspects to different religious groups to make them feel as though they were in the right.
By allowing 60+ year olds to vote about things like Brexit and abortion laws you are allowing them to have a say in something in which they are unlikely to live through or have to think about. 16 year olds are the future and by not allowing them to have a say in major issues that will effect them and their future children the most is unfair and honestly irresponsible. But, if you were to change the voting age to 16 and i really hope you do, you need to educate us on the different political parti
learned about it for one maybe two classes about 3 years ago so i honestly cant mind what it is
there should be more of them and I think they work very very well to bring people together
I think that the voting age should be lowered as the younger generation ARE the future why should people who may not even be alive in the next ten years be allowed to vote and we can‚Äôt? I just don‚Äôt understand it we have a very important imput to put forward and we‚Äôre being denied that because of our age, our age range are the most effected and we are unable to help HOW we are effected considering the fact that we are unable to vote i think it‚Äôs absolutely ridiculous and that the voting
as the these changes will have an impact on young people in the near future and therefore they should have a say
it is our future and we should have a say now rather than having to wait when it could be an important vote we cannot vote in yet.
most decisions made will directly affect us either now or in years to come, I feel that 16 year olds are as informed as most adults and are actually less subjective to bias having not been as directly affected by the troubles
I believe it has as the number of deaths related to paramilitary violence has definitely decreased, friendships and relationships between communities are more so the norm than they were and our generation doesn‚Äôt have to grow up with the fear and prejudices  the generation before us had to
its not the young ones with the problems it the parents who drill biased information into their kids about how bad Catholics were during the troubles and vis versa
I think the majority of people in Northern Ireland are very inappropriate and may vote for a party based are their religion and not what the party represents, which could not be beneficial for the future of Northern Ireland if people are making national decision based on religion.
has reduced the severity of the violence caused by religion and stopped most paramilitary activities.
We‚Äôre old enough to work so we should be old enough to vote
I feel that it is parent who influence there children on racist thoughts, but in time I think relationships will improve with young people of different backgrounds.
I feel that if young people were given a  chance to vote, it would cause them to research and learn about their government before they actually vote. This is vital for the future of our country, as the people of the UK should know about the political parties and what they stand for, what's happening in their country and what they could do about it.  - I also feel that we should have a say, as it is our future. Especially when schools are majorly effected by the cutting down of schools funds. Thi
Apparently there was lots of violence and murder before the agreement, and a hard boarder. This always left people on edge and prevented the country from reaching their potential. - I have he's fed stories from older relatives about the time before the black Friday agreement, and none was present.  - The black Friday agreement stoped this from happening and allow my generation To grow up without being in the presence of fire armed patrolling police, etc
Peer groups and going along with how they feel
My generation don‚Äôt mix with people in other religions very well
Most people my age do understand politics and it‚Äôs unfair that we won‚Äôt have a say in our future when elderly people can vote and it won‚Äôt effect them because most won‚Äôt be alive to see anything happen
It showed that both sidea could finally put their differences aside and just get on with life together and out an end to the troubles
I believe it is important that young peoples voices are heard especially now in our political climate as we are dealing with Brexit... I also feel as though 16 year olds should be able to vote in issues such as same sex marriage and abortion
I think that it allowed Catholic‚Äôs to have more of a say politically as it introduced power sharing and one community cannot make decisions without the consent of the other so it has encouraged compromise
I would prefer religion not be something people have to consider
Some people simply believe what they were taught without having formed their own opinions, to me this is not disimilar to one person casting their vote multiple times, thus it should remain 18 so young people may form their own opinions
If we were to continue on the self destructive path we were on before it is likely the country would have broken out into a form of civil war far more extreme than what was already occurring forcing the rest of the UK to either pick a side, stay neutral or become a veryones enemies. I believe this would then lead to a further collapse of the entire country and cause a situation similar to that of Syria
we do politics in school and understand our responsibilities
I do not feel that people of the age of 16 understand the effects or the possible impacts that their vote may have. most are not socially aware of a lot of things happening in northern Ireland  -
I don't feel that I am of the age to make a statement on this as I do not remember the harder times in northern Ireland or what it was like before the good Friday agreement.
Because I don‚Äôt know much about other ethnicity minority groups
Sinn Fein because of the stance for Sam sec marriage and the Irish language act
Not enough 16 year olds are educated enough to make informed decisions on behalf of the population
The Good Friday Agreement paved the way for further negotiations in other political agreements and created a better atmosphere which has lead us to today where catholic‚Äôs and Protestants can get on a little better than they did previously
We should be making a better effort to improve them.
Decisions currently being made in votes e.g. Brexit will effect my future
It put an end to the troubles and fighting and allowed us to live in peace.
People from different areas feel differently about the same subjects.
In all fairness to older people, the young people will be the one living in this country for a longer tine so it wouldn't make sense for their views to be heard more. However, if the voting age was changed there would have to be more education on politics in Northern Ireland as I personally have no idea whats going on.
People have their own opinions on how the government should be run so agreeing on a term means less people have different opinions and make it easier to run a country -
Younger people generally are not intelligent enough to fully understanding who/what it is they are voting for.
It was largely responsible for ending the Troubles and violence in Northern Ireland.
Too young to be able to vote. Not enough experience in life to be honest
I feel like at the age of 16, the majority of teenagers are not yet responsible or aware enough of poticial issues to have a say in the matter.
It has brought Catholics and Protestants closer together
Laws in place make it safer. No borders make travel easier and keeps the rural landscape beautiful.
As I believe it‚Äôs like there political opinions is not likely to change by the time they turn 18 so give them the right to express there opinions and make a change  -
Not mature or wise enough to make a huge decision
I think that not many you ger people would vote and also might not be mature enough to understand what there voting for
It has made the country safer in general
dont know anything about this please make your surveys more compatible with your questions
Not enough experiences meeting other minority groups.
Most people my age will not be able to have a well informed response.
There should be decisions made here not in England
Young people have a much better outlook and we are not held back or influenced by the past or the troubles. We are much more willing to change and the decisons made will affect us the most.
It started the peace process and helped to lower the levels of violence in Northern Ireland
COMMUNITY RELATIONS CANNOT DEVELOP UNTIL POWER SHARING IS RE-ESTABLISHED IN N.I. GOVERNMENT.
16 YEAR OLDS ARE NOT PROPERLY INFORMED ON THESE ISSUES.
IT DID NOT STOP TERRORISM BUT REDUCED POLITICAL TERRORISM CRIMES.
It's improving overall from my viewpoint, but the prejudice may never be gone for everyone.
The problem is that I know many 16-18 years old who would be beyond mature enough to be responsible with voting, but I'm also aware of those at that age not mature enough. - But the same could easily be said about any age group if I'm to be honest. So whether the voting age range should be extended is difficult to say.
Honestly not sure. I feel I don't remember or know nearly enough information on what the conditions were like before Good Friday to make a claim whether it improved N.I. for the better or not.
They are improving and will likely continue to improve; but will religion will always influence how others perceive each other.
Although many 16 year olds are capable of voting, the majority don‚Äôt possess an interest in politics, this lowering the voting age wouldn‚Äôt be necessary.
Many reasons, but particularly the decommissioning of weapons by the IRA made NI a safer place to live.
Due to various incidents that occur frequently such as terrorism and benefits fraud.
I don't think that 16 year olds are mature enough. As they are to easily swayed by celebrities and music icons actions and they try to mimic them. This could be extremely dangerous for all political parties.
although over the past 30 years tensions have decreased there is still multiple cases of sectarian and racial discrimination each year. regardless of this, relations are mostly positive
most 16 year olds have little to no interest in politics and are easily swayed by political groups that lean heavily to either side of the political spectrum
since the signing of the agreement the levels of sectarian hate crime has decreased dramatically
The majority of 16 year old's that i know are at least in some way interested or invested into politics as Brexit and Northern Ireland politics in general have been a hit topic. The "Politics" class for GCSE and A Level students is one of the most subscribed to classes which i believe is proof that 16 year old's are capable of having a viable voting opinion.
I hope with the new generations emerging in Northern Ireland questions like these in this survey will not have to be ask, and we can rebuild a better, more diverse community without as much contention as witnessed in the past. "The salvation of man is through love and in love" - Viktor E. Frankl
I believe that many young peoples' voices should be heard and be given a right to vote for a candidate who represents their political views, especially on issues of education and employment. I shall give an example. At age sixteen we are given a national insurance number and allowed to work, by doing so it then should only be fair to allow under eighteens to vote for a candidate/party who's mandate may reflect their personal opinion surrounding workers. The same applies when a party's opinion ma
Though I may believe morally it was wrong not to punish people for murder, the Good Friday Agreement meant that technically all murders by paramilitaries (prior to the 1994 ceasefire) was all done in a similar environment as soldiers in a war. It has also allowed a better platform to rebuild Northern Ireland on, despite the fact that other political parties who are not directly unionist or nationalist, may not have a chance to lead Northern Ireland in a new direction due to power sharing . Overa
As i dont know about their religions/traditions
Not many 16 year olds will be fully aware of the impliations of voting or have enough knowledge on who to vote for
Young people are the future, they should be allowed to take part in decisions that will affect their future, many young people have good ideas of how to help and how to make the country a better place but are rarely listened to as they are "too young to understand"
I haven't been taught enough about the subject to decide
even though the prejudice between catholic and protestant communities  arent as bad as what they used to be (the troubles), there is still a tension where people arent able to let go of the past due to the things they've seen, been through (Bloody Sunday) and how they have been treated and been prejudice against.
I personally would like to vote, however most 16-17 year olds; their opinion is mostly based on what their parents/guardians say. therefore not representing their opinion as most would only hear one side of the story and go with the face of that as their vote.
its highlighted flaws in the system that were wrong, in police system and they removed the army. However!!! WE HAVE NO STORMOUNT!!! it has created a "us and them" political stance to now where WE ARE PAYING TO HAVE NO GOVERNMENT!!!!
Not very common growing up. I didn't have much exposure to other ethnic groups.  -
Depending on areas within Northern Ireland at times relations aren't good. Everyone is brought up a certain way and that won't change as both Catholics and Protestants will also favour their own side.
I feel that the voting age should remain at 18 because most young people would be swayed very easily in school and by parents. Most young people now wouldn't vote by what the manifesto says, rather what their "side" says. I personally feel that when i am 18 i will be more ready than i am now.
It ended the troubles, which made life a bit easier. However still there is a lot of problems with catholics and protestants. Still bombs are set, still people are shot and nothing very much is ever done to address the people who commit the crimes and why they did it. Is it because they just don't like either protestants or catholics.
I feel that the troubles still influences the young people in our society even though we weren't alive during them. It is parents/grandparents who have lived through them that encourage the hatred towards  the "other side"  of young people of both protestant and Catholic backgrounds. Although this can only be said for a small minority of people. Coming from an all Catholic school in a Catholic based town I can say many young people there feel strongly against protestants because their family hav
I feel that if 16 year olds were allow to vote, it would encourage them to research and understand what exactly is happening in their country. If would allow them to have a say in their future.
It has due to the fact there isn't people walking around with guns or weapons which I know was a big impact before the agreement. If I grew up with people patrolling with guns I would've all ways grew up with fear. The 1st time I say anything like this it was in Belfast during a peaceful petition, and I was petrified!! I know now - that there was a boarder down south and in think it was an awfull idea. Ireland is better off without one. The good Friday agreement truly has helped Ireland I belive
I would like to say that to build relations we need to open up a conversation not just locally but globally. Recently I along with some classmates took part in a Stranmillis talk called "Those were the days" held at the University. At that talk we heard from both communities and discussed the troubles from both sides and it was a very educational event. I believe that an emphasis needs to be put on educating the young as we are not only the future but we are the present. Northern Ireland is my h
Often adults assume that just because we are young we are not wise. I am my friends often engage in talk about the political situation in Northern Ireland. Often votes are made about OUR futures and we are not even consulted. It seems that we are old enough to choose subjects that will determine our futures and we are even old enough to join the army but we cannot have our say in our government? People who are 16 should at least be given the option to register to vote. Because if a 16 year old i
Mass events of death have not taken place since the Good Friday agreement. And the Good Friday agreement for me marked that start of peace.
They are different to me. I feel like they would not be able to understand problems/life events I have experienced because of the culture my ethnicity allows, and that I would not be able to understand their worries/experiences as well.
There should be more encouragement from the government/local councils to have strong community relations within Northern Ireland because by forging strong relationships in the community, the harder it will be for disputes to arise.
The more votes/opinions we have on political matters, or any matter really, the larger the sample group there would be and, effectively, a more accurate representation of the overall opinion.
Just things you hear in the news or what other people say can make you get the wrong impressions, but its obviously not right until you get to know for yourself.
I wouldn't like the mass numbers, my school is already big enough. I prefer knowing my teachers and class-mates well rather than sharing with strangers.
I would like pupils from both schools to try different sports. I play both hockey and camogie and have playing both from a young age but can only access one at each school. I also want pupils to try rugby, gaelic, hurling, cricket etc…
I would like the fact you can integrate with everybody and you are not segregated based on religion.
I would like to learn more about other religions.
It is an opportunity for other people with different backgrounds to meet and get to know each other which isn't always possible in our communities. It is a great way to broaden the youth of todays outlook on other religions and ethnicities.
To have more respect for other members of the public like litter and smiling at someone when you are walking on a street etc…
Not being able to for example play sport because the other school is using the pitch, gym, facilities etc.
I would like the chance to get to know people who are from a different background to me.
I believe everyone is a little prejudiced.
I feel that as a society we focus on mostly religious and ethnic community relations and while this is obviously important, we put so much pressure on these topics that we no longer consider Northern Irish society as its own community - I feel instead of focussing in on religious or ethnic relations, we cometimes need to look at our community as a whole.
Whether or not I would being part of a shared education campus is more based around the funding and facilities rather than the people. I would enjoy interacting with people from different backgrounds but this is possible at other schools and prevents the sharing of facilities.
That we are all equal and religion or ethnicity doesn't matter.
I think I would not like having to share a school building with another school. I think this would cause the school to be very crowded and potential financial issues.
I'm not a social person, so more people around me will be weird.
Don't know many people from ethnic minority groups.
Stop making a difference, we see ourselves as who we are, not.
Would like meeting new people. Would not like anyone saying either rangers or any better than celtic! Very silly, all the same.
They should tey and get more local young teens and kids involved in community relations.
I don't like how they are most likely being seperated, they should be in the same class no matter their religion as they are equal.
Most of 'Northern Ireland' wants to have a United Ireland but people from Belfast and all the Unionist areas want to leave Europe which isn't fair on us having to live with that for the rest of our lives. And there's a lot more and I said some of it previously.
I don't think it would be a good idea or it would work best.
Not much is gonna change without Government. What's the point of different political views without politics?
Some people would probably fight, but it'd die down after a while I'd assume.
Meeting people from other backgrounds and getting to understand them and their background.
I went to an Integrated Primary School and ALL schools should be like that.
I wish this country could move forward and without fixation on religion.
I wouldn't like spending time with a school I wouldn't have chosen to go to.
Community views, family views, friend views.
The new generations have positively improved relations with shared community projects, however I believe that politicans set a negative example with the conflicts between them. I hope that as new generations enter politics there will be much more positive relations between community religions, respecting opinions of other religions and making decisions based on this.
Too many pupils, I like smaller classes because there is more pupil teacher interaction.
Nope. Although brexit will ruin everything.
It would help to break down barriers and misconceptions between different groups in society
I think that despite all of the cross community events, people are still undoubtedly going to favour whichever way they were brought up in. This is especially true with people who had to live through the Troubles and had to experience this first hand. Also, so long as the main Unionist and Nationalist parties - DUP and Sinn Fein respectively - continue to squabble out and disrupt the entire country becasue of their beliefs, there is no way in the foreseeable furture that the cross-community relations will heal completely.
Despite being in a shared education campus, a lot of the students and teachers will still hold prejudices against one of the communities. I also feel that a lot of the teachers might pander more so to one of the communities, giving those students more opportunities than others.
I feel that young people are easily influenced about how they view other religions. They have views about both sides of the community but they are unintentional and its due to the way we are brought up and what our family believe.
I think that regardless of your religion, everyone should come together and become friends however, some young people will always judge you in terms of your religion, both Catholics and Protestants.
It would give people the chance to meet people with different backgrounds and lifestyles, which could change how they see things/open their view and be more considerate of others.
Don't fully understand different minority groups
The schools are still segregated from both Catholics and Protestants
I fear that relationships between different religions will never change in Northern Ireland
Making friends from different backgrounds and experiencing new cultures
People may feel that the two classes/schools are supposed to stay separate.
I feel instead of asking questions about religion I should be asked questions about politics as from the two main religions these are two distinct groups; Protestant - unionists and loyalists. Catholic - nationalists and Republicans. I personally feel that people who are Unionists and Nationalists are happy to co-exisit in this country together. On the other hand, Republicans and Loyalists are not. This is why I feel this country hasn't developed in this way for decades.
I would like all schools involved with Shared Education to work together with their pupils to create a charity project in a subject that all schools have compulsary. This would be good for school life and social development.
Community relations have definitely gotten better overall and young people are very tolerant of diverse backgrounds yet due to old prejudices sticking around due to influences of the older generation relations cannot improve much more.
I would like becoming friends with a variety of different people.
I think I would like the friendships I could make but wouldn't  like the larger amount of people in the same place.
Integration doesn't work, we're adapting to them, not the other way round.
It could save a lot of money, but having people of different religions/backgrounds sounds like a potentially terrible social experiment.
I think I would like the chance ti be friends with more ethnically diverse people, through shared education.
Not being able to talk about things that I could talk about in a non-shared education school.
I think it would be good as we need to live and work together as one and not as religion.
The different viewpoints may make people annoyed/angry and could lead to conflict.
I would like to meet new people from different backgrounds
New people but they must be treated the same.
I would like to make more friends from a different background than me and help move along the Peace Process in Northern Ireland.
People claim Northern Ireland is incredibly diverse however it's always just straight, white, cisgender, Christians. Never any LGBT+ respect or representation nor ethic or religious. As a gay, pagan, transgender boy I don't feel safe in Northern Ireland. Everyone in the older generations is prejudice openly and they're driven my hate.
Not having the same ethic and religious beliefs forced upon you.
I would like to think that community relations are improving. However, it will take time and forgveness before this can happen, and the Stormont government is hurting this by their own inability to work together for a better Northern Ireland.
Further funding would allow further education difficulties e.g. trips. It would also allow pupilsto lose prejudices towards different groups as they interact with them more.
I'd like it because it would mean sharing my beliefs with others and making new friends however I would be worried other people wouldn't be in favour or take it for granted.
I would like to socialise with people from different backgrounds.
I would like to share projects and education.
The journey can be long walking to the other school, however, it gives us the opportunity to be introduced to different teaching techniques.
Why do they have to be 2 separate schools? If they use all the same facilities why can't they just be one?
I think that it's ridiculous how important religious background is to some people in this country. Of course, religious identity is important to many people, but I think it should be a personal thing and not something for people to be judged on.
I think it's good for people from different, religious backgrounds to interact and be friends, especially considering the past animosity between protestants and catholics in this country.
Communication between community relations needs to improve and people need to break down the wall of prejudice between communities and talk to one another without race, religion, politics etc. interferring with the progress of community relations.
I would like everything as I believe that I treat everyone equally regardless or religious beliefs, ethnicity, political background, etc. I wouldn't like other people's prejuduce views.
I think people need to disregard where people come from including their religious beliefs. Everyone is human and people should respect each other as equal for it.
I would not like other people being prejudiced against people from the other school.
I don't think people accept you can be neither Protestant or Catholic. I think people should stop putting people into a stereotype due to their school, where they live etc…
There would be less of a divide between people with different religions and may increase awareness.
Because our parents were brought up during the troubles, some raise their children (our generation) to have hate towards Protestants or Catholics. Parents that brought up this generation teaching us to not care whether someone is Protestant or Catholic are smarter. Many in this generation don't care about it.
That it is mainly the older generations that care about religion or race, the younger generation don't care because they can be talking over social media and not know anyones religious standpoint and still get along.
Getting to know people of different ethnicitys and religions to get their opinion and viewpoint on religion and see if it matchs m standpoint.
sharing my school facilities with people I don't know. However, it could allow me to meet new people.
I would like the opportunity to meet new people
I wouldn't like how crowded the school would be.
I'm a teenager brought up as a Catholic in predominantly Protestant area, and I am Northern Irish, this is important to me. Both religions should recognise their real national identity instead of adopting from one side or the other.
Meeting people with different stories is always a good experience.
Personally, I see no difference in people with different religious beliefs. However, conflict between those from different religions and ethnic backgrounds still prevails to this day. I hope that NI will evolve soon and sectarian views will be abolished in the not too distant furture. Views surrounding gender and sexual orientation still cause conflict to this day on top of religious and ethnic views, so my only desire is that equality is soon reached in NI.
I see no need in having two schools that completely separate Catholics and Protestants. Segregation will continue to allow sectarian views to grow and become stronger, regardless of a shared campus. Personally, I believe that there should be no schools for one specific religion.
Slowly changing for the better but will take time
Would like the options and availability if using alternative facilities rather than being restricted to just my school
I would like being around people of a different religion instead of only Catholics.
I think relations between Catholics and Protestants will become worse in the future because of Brexit. A hard border in the middle of our country can only have a negative effect on our relationship.
I would not like a change in the way we are taught as I like school the way it is.
Joint classes. More people from different background.
I think that although there are different communities, some 100% Catholic, some 100% Protestant and some mixed, everyone as far as I have seen, is respectful. For example, the 5A bus passes through a Protestant estate and then a Catholic estate, however there is never any animosity. This shows it is possible for Protestants and Catholics to live harmoniously , and that they currently do.
I believe it would create animosity as it is not one integrated school, iti is two with two different religious backgrounds. It has a feeling of segregation.
They will never improve until there is a United Ireland. There should be more done to improve relations.
Get to meet new people. Get to learn about new religions. Would be more bullying
I would not like pupils slandering each others religion as it is rude and offensive
Claiming benefits, many don't work, also put stress on NHS
Weary of discrimination or tension from opposite group.
The only way for cross-community relations to develop in a better way is through integrated schools
That it is promoting cross-community relations and encourages younger people not to adopt a sectarian viewpoint in politics and general life affairs
Probably from media where they show terrorists and how you should some what be afraid of all of them (people in the same race, religion) which kind of makes me scared of all people within that race of religion.
People are not really up for change in NI when it comes to hearing other people out from what I witness. People are scared of things they don't understand or can't relate to which includes people. The government collapse due to a fight between DUP and Sinn Fein I believe has decreased the chance in people from different communities to come together.
Would Like: meeting new people, understanding other people's background. Wouldn't like: too many people, bullying, judgement/fights, if it was done before I came it would be seen as the norm but it would be weird to bring it together.
I think that, with the way Brexit is going, relationships in Ireland/N.Ireland are going to get worse. Especially with the possible impliment of a hard boarder.
I would like to have the opportunity to meet people I would not ususally meet.
Make new friends from different backgrounds etc…
You get to meet new people but at the same time there's a higher risk of bulling and as someone who isn't religious it could cause too many clashes.
I feel that it would be good to make friends from different cultures.
That too many people are stuck in the past and need to move forward with a positive outlook on cross community, as we need the next generation of children to grow up open-minded and a great sense of cross community.
I think it is promoting a sense of community and move away from Northern Ireland's history of this topic of cross community. It is bringing young people up to not even have to consider that factor when making decisions.
I believe that the younger generation with little help from their elders have become far more tolerant and accepting of one another.
I think I would like to be in shared education as I believe my school has very Catholic views and beliefs which it somewhat forces on us and if I where in shared education this would be less so.
I'd like the opportunity to mix with other schools
I feel that I would like most to be able to develop new friendships, regardless of background.
If I made a friend outside of my school I wouldn't get to see them in school very often.
The possible prejudice or abusive behaviour
I grew up in a very loyalist family, and I also grew up attending school on a bus with Catholic children. I've had some bad experiences with Catholics, but I've also had the same bad experiences with Protestants. The most I can say on this matter is that neither me or my friends think what religion you are is a contributing factor towards whether we want to be your friends or not.
After the disaster that was ERGS I don't think combining more schools would be a good idea, unless it is actually well thought out. More integrated schools wouldn't be bad though, at least then you're not combining exisiting schools.
I would be able to see my friends from the other school more often . It would offer the opportunity for children of different religions to grown, learn and develop together.
Community relationships in Northern Ireland are damaged due to our government not going to work, everything is at a standstill and things are becoming hostile.
I like shared education campus as I don't agree with schools being seperated based on religion. Society is much more secular especially our youth. The only thing seperation does is increase sectarianism.
I don't have an opinion on people from different religions or ethnic backgrounds, they are still people
Most people who consider themselves Catholic or Protestant are only doing so because it is the family that they were born into that has brought them to think and view things in the way they do, in my opinion I believe that children should be neutral to religion until they are old enough to decide what they believe.
It doesn't make a difference if it is, just work being carried out, because there would be no time in classto socialise. Though if not I would approve of the opportunity to meet other people I may have schools with and develop lasting friendships.
I would like the community to mingle and spend class time with those from a different religious background than myself. I would also enjoy sharing facilities and lunchtimes together.
The school would become too busy. I could meet new people.
There would be no differences made which gives young people the opportunity to make their own decisions on what they like and what they don’t.
If people were discriminating against each other, it would make everyone feel uncomfortable.
I believe religion shouldn’t be considered in any decision
I am from an integrated college, previous to this I went to a majority protestant school. I found more welcome in integrated and there was no 'judgeiness' in this school.
A new Ireland would offer a home to all and be a country of equals
I wouldn’t like to share facilities in case of conflict
Its an opportunity to meet new people from different religious backgrounds
I would like to be because it would mean you get to meet new people and make new friends
I don’t think transgenderism is normal and should not be legal and don’t think homosexuality is normal either. Not a popular opinion but its my opinion.
I think it would be better for the two schools in a shared education campus to merge into one, as having two separate schools will still make pupils feel different to one another.
Have the chance to meet and get on with more people.
Getting to know people from a different background
There would be struggles with the attitudes of pupils towards one another- may be because family, the history between catholics and protestants.
Personally, I don’t care what religion someone is, I think others mights but I think what matters is if you treat people with kindness and respect.
I would like meeting new people and gaining more of an understanding for another faith. I wouldn’t like that it was 2 separate schools. I would prefer it was 1 mixed faith school.
I went to an islamic studies lesson as I heard it was funded by the council, divisiveness was often taught there and I worry for islamic/christian relations in my lifetime.
Abandon religion, it only leads to violence
Get to know more people, more facilities
Open to all- move away from the past be able to learn together, not bringing past up
You would meet lots of new people and connect to people whom you wouldn’t normally be around and learn about new religions and traditions.
I would be afriad of conflict arising among pupils from different religious backgrounds.
It would be good to learn with others from different backgrounds find out more about them.
Too much students, more people to interact with but no more bullying.
We need to continue to breakdown barriers, respect and get to know each other. Peace is our future.
We would all be one bif community and respect each other and learn from each other.
Media stories in relation to ethnic minorities.
It would be better if catholics would stop murdering members of the security forces, and bombing towns.
It will allow people from all walks of like to work and share common interests.
I would like the opportunity to learn other peoples backgrounds.
All coming together as one community could cause problems and I would not like this to happen.
Some cases that have occurred in our town
Some pupils may not respect it nor behave accordingly.
I don’t believe that there should be two different schools but one integrated school for all pupils of every religion.
It still may be segregated as others may not have the same beliefes as me.
Meeting people from different backgrounds.
Theres definate division but it's no where near as bad as it used to be.
I believe that politicians and people who are older make problems between communities which never existed.
There wouldn't be enough resources to go around two whole schools of people. I think a shared education campus creates divide as people have differences before they even start. I don’t think many young people particularly care any more whether someone is catholic or protestant anyway.
It is not as integrated as it should be, nor reflective of wider society. People don’t really seem to have a say.
I would like to learn about how other cultures and religions live their lives different from me.
I believe that pastoral care would decrease. There would be less pupil- teacher contact.
I think it really depends on how someone was raised as to how racist or secratarian they are. The generation of those who lived through the troubles can still be very secretarian at times so it has rubbed off onto our generations.
I woild like the chance to be more integrated with others to set an example for years to come. However, I would not enjoy the secratarianism between some people.
Hopefully in the future everyone with different religions and ethnic groups would treat the same and equal.
Some people would agree and follow the rules properly and some people will not follow anything.
I would like and appreciate the mixing of religions but I like having one big mixed school only.
Even though it is 2019 I feel as though there would be sectarianism from both sides, although I would not have a problem with shared education and think it’s a good idea for the two backgrounds to mix more. There is too much of a split between the religions for this day and age.
I think Brexit could make community relations worse in Northern Ireland.
Having sheltered narrow minded people around me that I would be forced to socialise with. Also probably would not get the oppourtunity to study Irish if protestant students were in my school.
It could be weird sharing all the facilities and being at the same school and might make conflicts because there could be different rules for each school but they're in the same place. It would be good to try and get catholic and protestant kids to be more integrated but surely if theyre still separate schools you're still making the distinction wich could cause conflict and rivalry, maybe just an integrated school would be better.
Both catholics and protestants are almost given a negative conetation when said to members of some community but in reality there are nice catholics and nice protestants but similarly not so nice catholics and protestants. Being branded as one almost given off the bad side of each without even knowing the person.
I believe they're may be a slight dislike to pupils from opposite school which may cause tension in school which is not good.
I would like the sense of community and people from different backgrounds can interact more with each other. I would not like it because it would be really busy and crowded.
Fear of expression- Being comfortable in my own religion and culture
It could affect learning opportunities or be disruptive if you were an existing pupil when the change took place.
I do not mind mixed schools but would not enjoy a shared education campus regardless of what schools were involved.
If people from different ethnic minorities are in big groups I can find them intimidating
No religion classes or mass, less gealic football.
Not like: Uniforms, bullying, immature people, fights. Like: Meeting new people, friends, learning
Northern Irish people are very kind, respectful, loving and social.
I would like learning new ideas and interacting with new friends. I would not like the pressure of being unable to scoialise.
People look to the past too often never to the future.
I would not be opposed to a shared education campus, but a problem such as bullyng could escalate as it is two schools instead of one, however the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
I am now I am tech and it is ok. But at high school it could cause problems when you are younger as I seen with some of my friends. It would be ok for me.
Sometimes I can be quick to judge but its wrong
I would like the opportunity to meet new people and not feel like were in competition. I would not like possibly feeling different.
If our society was normal, shared eduation wouldn’t have to exist- that’s the goal. Let refugees in so that we can dilute our sectarian culture asap. I am so sick of having to pretend to be catholic in my school, just because I wanted a better education. I was also so sick of pretending to be protestant around my protestant friends in my protestant school. NI is a sovereign state full of bigots and I cant wait to leave.
I don’t care about sharing facilities with other schools, mine shares facilities with 2 other schools. I personally feel that we only have shared education as its being used to mask the fact that no money goes into education, parents think its great to meet new people but realistically we dont. its not about meeting new people, its about having to spend less money on young peoples education.
Its not the best considering there are schools which are catholic and others which areprotestant with very few integrated schools.
I would like it because people shouldn’t be separated due to their religion, but brought together everywhere in Northern Ireland
I would like having the religious barrier broken and stigma reduced.
I would meet people from different backgrounds.
I believe that more programmes need to be put in place in local communities that will appeal to all young people, n order to build rapports with each other we need to be able to go to schemes that arent run specifically by one denomination i.e. cross community centres for young people.
I think that I wouldn’t like it because it would be confusing as to what the difference in the two schools were, and that it may create more of a divide in certain areas and cause stigmas.
There is little respect for the LGBT community. Irish language speakers. Not very accepting. Need to b aware that the use of the term Northern Ireland is contentious and I noticed the term used throughout.
As an Irish speaker I wouldn’t feel safe if there were a lot of people against the Irish language Act and therefore wouldn’t be nice to me or have something against because of my native language. Other than that nothing.
Everyone pre-judges in their head. Its normal.
That due to different religions / opinions there could be potential conflicts.
There is always gonna be trouble makers between religions. That’s why I'd personally feel more comfortable in a catholic community given that I identify my nationality as Irish.
Like: Mixing with more people. Not like: More compitition
I hope the politicians catch themselves on and start to do something to help communities. They should be back working I have no one to go to if I need to and they don’t do anything to help community relations.
Lack of knowledge or understanding, media
It provides an opportunity to mix with people from other backgrounds.
I would like to see a time where it didn’t matter what religion you where
Getting to meet different people and stoping the hate for one another
I don’t think it will ever eradicate from Northern Ireland.
The fact that people can learn about certain backgrounds and forget about catholic and protestant differentiation. One school uniform would just show equality and get rid of prejudice and stereotypes.
I would like it. I would be happy to be more educated on different groups of people.
It would be good as it would be culturally diverse. However beliefs and wants of different cultures might clash.
I have never felt strongly about the problem between protestant and catholics until recent years. I in no way have any negative views towards the protestant community but I do have something against how some of them act. Being called a 'fenen bastard' while walking to class should not happen and although I have never retaliated it still occurs 3 times a week I have to deal with it. I have to worry about where I walk in my uniform in case I walk into the wrong town, I also have a huge issue with flags I see Union Jacks flown everywhere but when I wear an Irish flag on St Patricks Day I was asked to remove it and I was not causing any trouble.
Again NI is still very divided whether we see it or not. I do not believe shared education campus is a good idea as it will bring more bullying opportunities.
Other than classes there may not be much interaction between pupils, especially boys, if one group is playing catholic sports and one are playing protestant sports, also there may be some disagreement in subjects like religion, history etc.
It would be interesting to see how the pupils interact and bond over shared interests to show that background should not stand in the way of friendship.
I would like to be part of the shared education campus because it would be nice to know and learn about other peoples religions and culture
I think the relations between communities are better now than they used to be and that has been helped by young people learning about other peoples differences and accepting people as they are, through school (learning for life and work) and other activities
I think it would be a good way to make new friends and broaden social contacts
There needs to be more cross community events in rural areas
I would like to try sports not usually associated with being protestant. I would like to try gaelic football and hurling instead of having to go to a club.
I think a lot of young people want relations to improve and don’t care whether someone is catholic or protestant.
I would like meeting new people from different backgrounds. I would love to be part of a more diverse school, but I think if it happened, the two sets of students wouldn’t properly mix; they'd still stay in their separate groups.
They've getting better but still a lot can be done to improve them more, children need to learn to not stereotype people from different religions and be brought up to like and respect them.
Having to use same facilities as other people you don’t know
I think community relations are good, but the things people post on social media sometimes, or grafitti can be offensive and mean to people from different backgrounds. If its posted to target catholics/ protestants in a negative light theres no need for it.
I wouldn’t like to lose the identity of going to my own school. I would like to have increased facilities.
The news e.g. bombings done by those from ethnic communities
I would like meeting new people and friends
I would not like having to deal with big crowds in one area
I think I would like to meet people from different backgrounds to me
I think most communities get on well, its only ones that still live in the past, that cause the issues and hate
The corridors being so busy, it can make you late to class and teachers don’t understand.
I would to integrate with people of different backgrounds
The community relations in Northern Ireland are very bad.
It would be good to be able to meet more people, especially if they have different backgrounds.
People need to have a better understanding of different groups in society, this can be helped by local MLA's. People need to be more tolerant and put the past in the past. Other minorities need to integrate.
I would like getting to know those of a different religion than me
The relations in communities really all depends on familial backgrounds and where a young person grew up along with personal choices. The secondary factors (parents living place) cannot be ignored.
I would enjoy getting to know people of a different religious background
News stories make it a natural response to have prejudice
More people. Different likes and dislikes. Learn more about different people and backgrounds
I would prefer to learn my own backgrounds history/religion
I think there needs to be less people being focused on others and should just focus on their own religion, not be rude to others that don’t share it
I would like being able to meet, become friends with and learn from pupils of different ethnic groups, religions etc to myself
All positivie, I went to integrated primary school
Meet new people. Learn about different peoples beliefs
Northern Ireland will never change when it comes to religion which is sad everyone should just learn to live together there are more important things than religion live and let live
Mixing of religions in Northern Ireland isnt as fluid as everyone seems to make it out to be. In my area there are both Catholic and Protestant high schools, despite saying they accept all religions the majority of the school will be the specific religion. Secondary schools arent as bad but primary schools will have 99% one religion. Also area are very segregated and you know what areas are regarded as catholic or protestant or nationalist etc. In areas/places ive seen onlt people is houses or private property have flags but when going through parts of towns there will be many unionist flags hung on lamp posts and at shops.
If you are sharing the facilities but still said to be from a different school it will just cause more divide between the groups at school. It would be better to just have one school where no religion is associated with it.
I think that it would be good to mix different groups and have a more diverse school environment.
I wish we could all live together in peace, without fear of attack or abuse things like flags, parades, muriels should all be banned on both sides. We need to all put the past where it belongs, "in the past" we need a new start.
I would like that we are all taught together and learn to understand our different backgrounds and religions and I think doing this can help overcome a lot of barriers that have been put up by previous generations.
It's quite sound but would feel safer if there was less conflict and more support.
Some people have very strong beliefs about different people
Catholic faith, people of other faiths straight away prejudge, maybe unknowingly.
It can depend on how strongly the people in communities feel about their religion, many people are very open to mixing between religions, others with stronger views can cause trouble
There may be fights between people who are unaccepting causing tension. Also some features, for example GAA and catholic schools week may be interupted or taken away.
It just comes naturally, sometimes influenced by family opinions.
Brexit is causing relations between unionists and nationalists to decline
Your original school would cease to exist
If a parent is prejudiced they will show their kids to be the same which will upset community relations.
I feel like there would be too many children in the one area and things would get distracted
I would like to meet new people, however I think there would be tension between the 2 groups and that might not work.
I would not like to be a part of a shared education campus because if there are both catholic and protestant backgrounds a lot of people would start fights
I play football and I would like to see better relations on and off the pitch, sometimes the parents are worse!
Years of austerity, Brexit uncertainty and stalemate at Stormont has caused community relationships to deteriorate and encouraged racist and religious hate crimes.
Would be more practical and less expensive to just fully integrate schools. Segregation and religious worship has no place in schools just like in the workplace we're being prepared for.
I would like to be educated on what other backgrounds are really like
Yound people should be allowed to vote and have their say as the decisions made will affect our future!
Nice to meet other people, other teacher and education
Would like being part of a shared education as I meet people from different cultures, gender and religion.
Because I had to go a school with 2 buses and I have adhd and learning problems and they had no special needs.
Personally, I think it might lead to an increase of bullying but then again this may not happen. I would like to make friends with people from different backgrounds and find out more about their culture.
Everyone is treated the same no matter what religion or background they have
Although I attended a mainly protestant school, my best friend is catholic but we do not let this have an input on our friendship.
There may be rude or hurtful comments from either sides of the school-which could lead to fighting.
I would like the diversity of people, I would not like the decreased privacy as we would be sharing a lot of aspects of school life.
It's mainly older people that still care about divisions; many young people don’t care or pay attention to past prejudices and those that do learn it from their parents and are yet to think for themselves.
I wouldn’t see it as a good or bad thing; the only thing that would be important to me is the quality of my education, not the religion/ background of my peers.
Would like to find out about people from different backgrounds, wouldn’t like the tension between people with strongly opposing beliefs.
Elected representatives should hang their heads in shame for their promoting some self steered opinions.
Any attempt to have an authority to attain uniformity instead I celebrate and honour difference and promote respect for other differences instead I am for homoginisation
I don’t think I would like the fact that some people won't be able to put their differences aside to allow everyone the same oppurtunities without any hostility
It would be a good opportunity to meet new people. But it would affect the quality of the education we receive
I feel the sectarian views that people my age have is very much influenced by parents and parents should be targeted to prevent sectarianism.
Learning about each others traditions and maybe participate in them
I think I would like the interactivity with other students however sometimes other students don’t get along with each other
There isnt enough done to stop the secretarian that take place on the 11th night in July. For example, bonfires with sectarian phrases.
That no one could separate one pupil from another based on their religion
It wont improve unless we've a government!! And schools become mixed take down the peace walls atop keeping religions apart! Generations to come may never meet someone from another religion because of it.
To share my experiences and there may be conflict due to religious opinions
There would be a lot of pupils which would be difficult
May be conflict among the pupils. Would be able to meet new people.
I would not mind being part of a shared education campus as it teaches people diversity
Not at this momment, no. Although the communities have been drifting apart.
The integration that would happen in the halls. Maybe even the cultural differences you may learn and experience.
I feel that th econcept of school idenity could become confused as people would be very certain of which side they were on Surely it would be easier to have a non denominational school.
It does not make sense and should just be one school if they are going to share everything.
I think attitudes in Northern Ireland involving the irish language are dissapointing. Yes, not everyone may want to speak or learn the language, but what about those who do? There should not be a political stigma attached to the irish language it should be embraced and promoted peacefully.
I finf that the community in which I live is welcoming towards my friends even though it is mostly protestent.
I think a shared education campus would allow students to receive a better understanding of people with different backgrounds to us and it would be a chnace to make new friends, however this would be a very costly expenditure for the school to make this happen, and the school has enough pupils in it.
Due to the news showing the 'worst' of an ethnic minority.
Theree would be too  many peopl ein my opinion.
Everyone would become the same in the school and pupils would put any differences behind them outside schools making life better.
I feel like some peope try to hide their religion or ethnic background to avoid conflict.
I think it woul dbe insightful, to learn how other schools workand learn in comparison to my own.
Meeting people from a different background lets me see how they get through each day and whats different.
Everyone treated equallt. Learn more about other people.
It would be a way of ending the stigma which still surrounds protestants and catholics. If children from young ages were involved in shared education campus I think it would be really good.
It gives students the opportunity to communicate and befriend pupils they may never of originally takled to
It qould prevent segregation outside of school.
I would like the variety of facilities. I would not like the amount of pupils.
I would like there to be easier transport
I woul dlike it as I could get to know a lot of different people
I would like that everybody woul dbe together and sharing but I feel that a few people wouldn’t like it
I would like the opportunity to meet more people
I really think the troubles has set Northern Ireland back several years in terma of inclusivity and acceptance. Theres still a lot pf parents raising their children either highly catholic or protestant which will continue to cause conflict for years to come. Its the community/parents who maybe enforce their beliefs on their child, but also teaches them inclusivity that will help Northern Ireland to progress socially and there are a lot of people like that nowadays which is a good start.
I think it would be an enjoyable experience getting to see people from another school and hanging out with them. I just wouldn’t like to remove the individuality from each school.
That you can learn about other people beliefs etc
If the school became extremeley large it would be more difficult to have relationships with teachers.
Coming from Ulidia Intergrated College myself, it has enlightened my knowledge of other cultural beliefs.
I thin having two schools sharing one campus with a religious division wouldn’t work unless each cultural background was equal e.g same unifor/ school food etc.
More integration needed- Schools have a big part to play. More opportunities needed to meet people from other religions/backgrounds- Flags are contentious
Would not like th e the tension between different bakgrounds
Too many pupils (busy). Perhaps disagreements between pupils although…Would be a good chance to make new friends.
Could be a lot of work put into the way be try to help build relations between mixed religions.
I would like the fact that we would get new learning facilities by this. I would also like fact we would be educated on the divide.
I don’t mind doing cross community activities but I think its stupid to do them just for the sake of doing them. I also feel that because of historic inequalities between protestants and catholics, people are trying to make it more fair but in doing so have begun to push it the other way so that now in many things it is easier to get a job as a catholic. Eg Department of Agriculture moving to Ballyhally.
I wouldn’t mind sharing classes or anything but would not want to have to learn irish or play gaelic sports
Community relations will never improve unless the past is dealt with correctly. Polititians need to step up and help people to move on from the 'green' and 'orange' and the past.
I would like everyone being in the same uniform because then people wont be singled out for being a certain religion.
I would not like a shared uniform as individuals should be able to choose what to wear and express themselves openly. A shared sports facility and shared lunchtime I would like as it may bring  students together and a chance to be closer as friends.
I think it is vital that as a community we leave behind the attitude of only mixing with people with the same ethnic background or religion as you. We might stop segregating ourselves and do things to help one another
I think shared education campus is positive as it has kids from walks of life to interact and form relationships which exclude their religious background
It is because they always play victim, putting down other communities for their own gain.
I wouldn’t like it if I had to supress my culture and believes in fear of offending others. I woul dlike if everyone was respectful of believes and opinions and an openess to express and understand each others thinking without offence.
I wouldn’t like chnaging to a new school environment.
Even though community relations in Northern Irland are better than what they were 40/50 years ago, it is still abysmall and should be a lot more accepting and open to all religions, ethnicities and sexual orientation. I definitley cant see myself living in Northen Iralnd when im older.
I would love to be in a shared education campus as being brought up in a catholic school, I feel I know very little about the protestant relogion, and would like to have more protestant friends.
They will ultimatley get better, when there is more shared housing and education.
It will end the stigma of not being able to engage with other people. Also, it gies all people of all denominations the same chances to succeed.
Mixing with students from different backgrounds
I believe that generally there are good community relations in Northern Ireland, however strong prejudices still exist amonst a good proportion of the population. Whilst many older people do their best to achieve peace and put the past difficulties behind them, the majority of younf people maintain sectarian values from past generations by promoting, in many instances, ideals that they themselves dont truly believe in. However mob mentality means that large groups of young people, with no tangible connection to people with genuine sectarian beliefs can rekindle long extinguised conflicts with other religious communities in NOrthern Ireland. In short, sectarianism isnt going away in the youth of this country.
A shared education campus would be better than entirely segregated schools, however inferior to integrated schools in that it still promotes and creates a divide between catholics and protestants. I recognise that they can prove to be a good idea in some cases, however moving forward i believe shared education should not be considered as reasonable alternative to ontegrated education.
I cant help but stare as they are different to me
It is very split. There is areas of my town that is known as a 'protestant' or 'catholic' estate.
I don’t think I would like the fact that there would have to be different/no religion classes for both catholics and protestants
Like meeting more/new people. Don't like cramped school
I think I would like getting to know people of a different race, religion etc and having a bit more diversity in school. I can't say there would be anything I wouldn't like
Isn't a lot of ethnic people and so I don't know what they are like
I would like learning about people's different backgrounds and opinions and how they see the other side.
Making new friends that usually you wouldn‚Äôt make
I don't know. It seems like my school is pretty good at having many people from different backgrounds and religions. I'm at Campbell College by the way
Getting to know other people's religions
I don't think it would make much difference to me
People are judged primarily by their religion, ethnic background or if they are protestant or catholic. We are all human and shouldn't be divided by having different beliefs or opinions
There is not a lot of this group in my area.
It all depends on where you live in Northern Ireland, like different council areas do more community relations than others and some councils damage community relations.
Having to respect each other would be nice but would be difficult for some.
Would be fun having different classes with the different school and getting to know people
I would not like the difference of the School‚Äôs but would enjoy the idea of learning thing about others
It gives you an opportunity to meet new people
I could make friends with people from other schools but some people could get violent with each other because of their differences.
If our current political stalemate continues, things may get worse
I would like the chance to spend time with people from different walks of life
Its not as bad as the media or politicians make out
Mixing and learning from otherscwith a different background
Because of the way society had portrayed other ethnicities and how close-minded the catholic church is
I personally feel that some people hold on to the past and are intransigent but myself and many others feel that such things as religious,sexual,ethnic identity shouldn't cause our communities to be divided.
I would like it to be able to learn about other cultures and beliefs.
meeting new people would be a good opportunity but having many different teachers and children of different capabilities would be difficult as each child would be at different levels
My upbringing in a protestant family and the history of the troubles
Just getting to know new people not based on any ethnic or religious background because  in my opinion that shouldn't matter  -
my parents were each brought up Protestant and Catholic and so i feel impartial in many of these issues. but i believe we should be integrated in schools etc growing up.
i would like meeting new people regardless of their religion
I hope in the future people in Northern Ireland will see the person rather than their religion.
I would like that everyone is treated equally.
First instincts, unconsciously prejudice before I even know what I am doing.
Possible gang mentality and split between the 2 groups would not be good. Although the chance of a more inclusive atmosphere is a positive.
Getting to meet new and different people
I feel that generally my area is quite mixed, though certain parts of the town are still regarded as Protestant or Catholic.
I would like the level of integration with members of another community.
People may be taught differently and so when people try to learn they may not understand and ask alot of questions stopping the teacher from teaching everyone else
There's nothing else I would like to say.
I would like being friends with people of different religions and minorities. It would help me be more open minded.
Being able to speak to or work with people from other ethnic groups and classes.
I would like the opportunity of working on projects with new people, however our school is more of a community school therefore it may be harder to mix with new people and have common subjects to talk about.
I wouldn‚Äôt mind it to a certain extent because we will all be working in a mixed environment in the future however, I don‚Äôt know if all the community would agree and this may cause problems.
idc really - the idea of segregating the two
My father who helped raise me was always very prejudiced and I think that influenced me, however as I have matured and become more free-thinking and independent, I have moved away from his way of thinking.
I feel a sense of belonging in my own community and it made me very happy when many of the neighbours got together for a barbeque and spent some time together. The backgrounds of those attending was not at all important nor mentioned. In general, from what I observe on a day to day basis in Northern Ireland, everybody treats each other nicely and many communities have a pleasant feel to them.
I would like it because it is inclusive to people from different backgrounds. However, I would not like it if the campus was extremely overcrowded.
We could have friendships with people of other religions or ethnics because of what kind of person they are not their ethnic or religion
I would not have any issues with it. In fact, I would quite enjoy it and everything about it.
parents should stay out of it and allow children to mix with whoever they want to. Religion doesn't matter
it would be a good chance to mingle with others as well as your close friends
The idea that students are socialised to other cultures would aid in a reduction of racist discrimination. As Well as this, it gives everyone a chance, it would reduce marketalisation in schools meaning working class students would have the same education opportunity‚Äôs as middle class students, who currently tend to get into more grammar schools. This idea of less marketalisation in school also extends to race and genders which I personally believe should have the same opportunity in the educa
Get to know people from different backgrounds and with different life experiences and world views
There would be lots of people and it could get quite noisy although it would be a great experience for anyone involved.
As when a catholic walks in a Protestant estate we get abuse even in today‚Äôs society as I have got abuse walking in a local estate
No, they are changing bc people have a better understanding
I think I would like it a lot as most of my friends now from tech are of a different religion/ethnic group.
Old fashioned views imposed by society. Also the fear of things such as terrorism.
I would be worried about feeling judged or being offended by others. I would not like to have to learn about another religion or participate in religious practices that I wouldn't agree with.
I wouldn‚Äôt particularly like sharing the facilities
There may always be issues between Catholics and protestants because of the way children are brought up believing that your religion is the correct one.
I think I would like the sense of inclusivity however, it may hold some people back as the class may have different capabilities
I would like it, because it is important for us all to know people from all walks of life and it could help break down any discrimination towards other groups
Religion would still be split it should be everyone together no matter what religion
i wouldn't dislike anything. School is still just school regardless of the religion or backgrounds of your classmates
Not knowing people and not able to feel comfortable and be myself in fear of being judged or seen as weird, when I am now comfortable working with the current people in my school and don‚Äôt wish that to change
peer pressure and what we have been conditioned to think
It depends on the person. i will treat anyone with respect and kindness where possible so long as it is mutual. a shared campus would be great to meet new people with different interests, however not everyone is willing to mingle
It would be more diverse which could promote better relations  -
Northern Ireland is seemingly extremely 'racist' and 'sectarianism' is no stranger. However there are so many cross community projects that do not get enough attention in the media; i.e. musical societies where personal background is not even a thing that is remotely considered.
I would like to get to know different types of people, and I don't think I have any concerns
People just need to be informed of how actually similar Protestantism and Catholicism is because when we learnt about Catholicism in school, some were genuinely shocked about how similar they are. I think as the younger generation and my generation learns that, it‚Äôll be easier to put aside differences because we haven‚Äôt lived through conflict like previous generations have. Hopefully community relations will get better but they only will if more focus is put on integrating and showing how si
I think I would like meeting people I otherwise wouldn‚Äôt and exchanging quirks about our backgrounds but I think people tend to be quite school proud and maybe being that closely linked may make a bit of rivalry over who is favoured etc but overal I think people would get used to it over time.
Being prejudiced is simply an inexorable human behaviour that has grown, of late, into a negative thing. It is human nature to form an opinion - to BE is to form an opinion. If you do not form an opinion on information that you have come into contact with you are either not thinking or just vacuous. The problem with prejudices is that people don't know how to read information and introspectively exam said information. That again is a human behaviour which is called apathy. I'll leave it up to yo
The ongoing war between the Catholics and protestants seems very stupid to the rest of the world, but I can't help it, its ingrained into my beliefs. The way I few protestants is harmful, less superior, and more sensitive. I am all-inclusive when it comes to other religions and ethnic minorities, but for some reason, I can't change the way I think, although I try.
that they don‚Äôt share a common culture with me although i know this shouldn‚Äôt be the case
i don‚Äôt like that is separate schools under one roof- it would be better as one interested school.
As I go to a catholic school, Protestants are talked about very badly and although I still witness this outside of school, it‚Äôs not as bad
I would like to have the ability to make friends with people who I have never had the chance to be friends with, as well as seeing their point of view. I wouldn‚Äôt like that there would be a lot of bullying between the schools due to some people who don‚Äôt like other religions
I have seen foreign men skip the queue and being rude
Meeting new people Wouldn‚Äôt like conflicts that would effect learning
I think that religion will always be an issue because of the past, I just hope history doesn‚Äôt repeat itself and Northern Ireland can move on and focus on more important issues.
Interaction with people you might not necessarily meet in your own school, I also think it would be a good way of preparing people for adulthood and meeting different people who mostly you wouldn‚Äôt normally meet until university
Ability to make friends with people regardless of religion
I think it is really important for people to communicate and be friends with a very diverse range of people to grow awareness and appreciate everyone is important and have their own strengths!
Learning about different ethical cultures to become more aware and be able to respect their beliefs appropriately