Elaine Byrne: Change comes gradually, then suddenly to politics in Ireland

A historic, once-in-a-generation political upheaval is surely on the way in Northern Ireland. But will it survive it?

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and northern leader Michelle O’Neill with campaigners ahead of Thursday’s Northern Ireland Assembly elections. The election will probably result in Sinn Féin becoming the largest party in the North for the first time. Picture: Getty