What problems still exist in Northern Ireland today?

Answer 1

That is a complex question to answer. You would need to be very familiar with Irish history and the past situations to have a full understanding. Things are much improved, but there is still mistrust between some parts of society. Some of this is endemic and almost part of the culture in itself. People are in effect brought up not to trust the other side, rather than taking people on their merits. This is not true in all cases and there are many positive relations between the different sides of the community. Levels of violence are far less now, but there are people still there intent on causing trouble, but they have very little support. So things are radically better now than they have been for many years, and things are continuing to improve. Issues that are still of contention include things like marches, recognition of the heroes of one side, that are not seen as heroes by the other. There are still some areas of politics that need to be finalised, like policing and justice, though that should be resolved soon, as this answer is made on the 18th of October 2009.

Answer 2

Northern Ireland is not part of Great Britain and never has been. Great Britain is an island consisting of England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is on the separate island of Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, which is what you mean, but is a completely different thing. The United Kingdom is a political, not a geographical entity. The problems that this has caused is due to many people in Northern Ireland wanting that situation to continue while many want Northern Ireland to be part of a united Ireland. Those that want to be part of the United Kingdom, known as unionists, are in the majority, though nationalists make up a significant minority. Since Northern Ireland came into existence in 1922, this has been a major issue, resulting in violence which became particularly serious between 1968 and 1994. A more peaceful situation now exists with the unionists and nationalists having to share political power. This was done because in the past, as the unionists were in the majority, they always governed and their policies favoured unionists and discriminated against nationalists. Things like housing, jobs and voting were affected. This is what resulted in people from the nationalist community looking for civil rights and equality, most famously in the 1960s, which eventually led to violence.