Northern Ireland has changed. Our society isn't what it was 30 years ago. The old divide of religion, catholic and protestant, in it's real and truest sense is largely gone, our arguments are not theological anymore. Demographics have shifted, catholics hold a majority. This is true, this I do not fear. I am a Methodist, a protestant, I am an orange man. I will always be kind and courteous to my catholic brother or sister. Religion is not the great divider. The GFA has failed too many. From the Creggan, to the Shankill, the peace dividend has failed to reach too many communities. Poor housing, poor education outcomes but most glaringly of all, the disparity in life expectancy seen between these places and the likes of the Malone Road. Our culture, and identity, is hugely important, but imagine what could be achieved if we approached our material conditions with the same energy expended on cultural issues. Culture is hugely important. Though it doesn't keep the house warm. Perhaps we need to reflect on how our energy is expended, culture and material conditions are intertwined and we can focus on both at once. I'll spell out it simply, if you are willing to take to the streets over cultural issues, then why not housing? why not education? These issues impact our communities just as much as cultural ones. Do our youth not deserve local jobs, local houses and the ability to raise a family in a safe community? I am absolutely not saying cultural issues do not matter, I am saying cultural issues and material conditions are intertwined, you can't solve one without looking at the other.