Derry Girls actress Judith Roddy has spoken about her fears over Brexit and the possibility a hard border between the North and Republic of Ireland could see a return to the unrest of the Troubles.
Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee grew up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and addressed the issue frequently during the show.
The central character Catholic girls were constantly obsessed and curious about the Protestant lads from another school, as well as considering the possibility of seducing one of the British soldier’s posted in the North on the peace-keeping mission.
The family also dealt with the constant fear that one of their loved ones could be hurt by a violent attack in the town.
The second series finale centred around the Good Friday Agreement, and the visit of US President Bill Clinton to Derry.
Roddy, who guest starred as the cool, uninhibited teacher Ms De Brún in the hit comedy, also grew up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Take a look at the clip as she was introduced to her students, and immediately captured the attention of the girls.
She spoke to the Irish Mirror about the uncertainty that surrounds the political future of Ireland and the UK.
She said: “Everyone is worried about Brexit and it’s difficult to speak about, obviously nobody wants a border.
“I live in London and I’m speaking about Ireland as if I’m living there, it’s a very complicated conversation.
“With the Good Friday Agreement being addressed in the second series of Derry Girls, in such a sophisticated way and with humour, to go back to having to fight for that again would be incredibly sad.”
She also recalled her childhood and the effect the Troubles had on her and her family.
Roddy said: “I slightly missed the Troubles but there was a presence when we were growing up.
“But it was all completely normal, you’d go past a soldier on the way to school camouflaged in a bush and I’d be eating a piece of toast and we’d say, ‘How are you doing?’ and they’d say hello back. Myself and my little brother used to play, Give Me Your Licence on the stairs, I’d stop him and wouldn’t let him pass until he showed me his fake driver’s licence.
“But I think it’s great what Lisa [McGee], the director has done with Derry Girls it’s brilliant, a good splash of having a laugh at ourselves.
“It’s a reflection and also a celebration of a time and it shows how far we’ve come.”
The border between Northern Ireland and the Republic has been a source of friction in the Brexit negotiations, as it will effectively become the border between the EU and the UK. An extension to the negotiations has been granted to allow the UK more time to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties.
