#NorthernIreland2016 Interview Series - 28 year old exile in London

Our latest interviewee is an exile from East Belfast now domiciled in London. He is 28 and works in finance. For the purposes of this interview he will have a synonym, Lewis Strandtown.

Brian John Spencer: "When did you first learn about the Easter Rising of 1916?" Lewis Strandtown:

"In 3rd or 4th form of school from memory but it is hazy on the issue!"

BJS: "Do the men, the act or the stated ideals in the proclamation mean anything to you?" LS: 

"Not really - I don't have a good understanding of either."

BJS: "When did you first learn about the Battle of the Somme?" LS: 

"I couldn't put a date on it. I have been aware of it from a very young age.

BJS: "Does this act, the men and their determination to show their loyalty to Britain mean anything to you?" LS: 

"Yes. I feel proud of their actions (both men from north and south). This is, of course, heavily tinged with sadness for Europe's 'lost generation'."

BJS: "As a (British/Irish/Northern Irish*) person, is the 1916 Rising important to you and your sense of identity and sense of belonging on this island?" LS: 

"Northern Irish. No, again it hasn't featured heavily in my life so I wouldn't ascribe much significance to it."

BJS: "As a (British/Irish/Northern Irish*) person, is the Somme offensive important to you and your sense of identity and sense of belonging on this island?" LS: 

"I suppose it forms part of our history so yes but it isn't something I would reflect on often."

BJS: "Will you be commemorating or celebrating either of these two events in April and July of this year?" LS: 

"No plans."

BJS: "Are you happy with the series of commemorative events put on by the Irish State? And what do you think of Arlene Foster's take on the events of Easter 1916 (she has refused to attend any commemorations)?" LS: 

"I don't know much about either. I wouldn't have a problem with any commemorations."

BJS: "As a person on (or from) the island are you happy with the where we are now at in terms of culture, cosmopolitanism and broad-mindedness?" LS: 

"Is cosmopolitanism a good or bad thing!"