**Introduction**

Social divisions can have a significant impact on politics, shaping the political landscape and influencing the decision-making process. An example of this can be observed in Northern Ireland, where deep-rooted social divisions have greatly impacted the political dynamics of the region.

**Historical Background**

Northern Ireland has a long history of social divisions primarily based on religious and national identities. The conflict in Northern Ireland, commonly known as "The Troubles," emerged due to these divisions. The two main groups involved are the Unionists, who predominantly identify as Protestant and wish to remain part of the United Kingdom, and the Nationalists, who are mostly Catholic and aspire for a united Ireland.

**Impact on Politics**

The social divisions in Northern Ireland have had a profound impact on its politics, as illustrated by the following points:

1. **Party Politics**: Political parties in Northern Ireland tend to align with either Unionist or Nationalist viewpoints, reflecting the social divisions. For instance, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) represents Unionist interests, while Sinn Féin represents Nationalist interests. This division has resulted in a highly polarized political landscape, with parties often adopting hardline stances on key issues.

2. **Power-Sharing Arrangements**: The social divisions have made the formation of a stable government in Northern Ireland challenging. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 aimed to address this by establishing power-sharing arrangements between Unionist and Nationalist parties. However, these arrangements have faced numerous obstacles, with periods of political deadlock and suspension of the devolved government.

3. **Electoral Dynamics**: Elections in Northern Ireland are often influenced by social divisions. Voters tend to support parties that align with their religious and national identities. This can lead to a lack of cross-community support and hinder the formation of a cohesive government.

4. **Public Policy**: Social divisions have also influenced public policy in Northern Ireland. Issues such as flags, parades, and the Irish language have become highly contentious and have caused political disagreements. These issues often reflect the underlying social divisions and can hinder progress in other policy areas.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, social divisions in Northern Ireland have significantly impacted politics in the region. These divisions have shaped party politics, hindered the formation of a stable government, influenced electoral dynamics, and affected public policy. Understanding the impact of social divisions is crucial for fostering reconciliation and working towards a more inclusive and cohesive political system in Northern Ireland.

Sometimes political parties compete election by taking some existing social differences as their base and hence turn them in political division which led in the conflict and violence