Thursday’s election will mark not only a landmark nationalist victory, but the emergence of a third force in N Ireland.

Thursday’s election will mark not only a landmark nationalist victory, but the emergence of a third force in N Ireland.

Changing political dynamics in Northern Ireland are causing anxiety in unionist communities.
![Protesters are seen at the 'peace wall' gate into Lanark Way as protests continue in Belfast, Northern Ireland on April 7, 2021 [Reuters/Jason Cairnduff]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-07T224440Z_1227370462_RC2ARM923JD9_RTRMADP_3_BRITAIN-NIRELAND-PROTESTS-1.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)