This scene vividly displays the contrasting sides to life in Northern Ireland. The dramatic symbolism of the uniquely British mail postbox (with its crown and crest of the British royal family), standing below the symbols of the Provisional IRA, a hooded gunman with armalite rifles and flags of the Irish Republic.

Another mural near Belfast's Falls Road area, at a site which has become known as the International Wall. Now becoming a tourist hotspot as busloads of camera weilding city breakers embark on tours of the conflict zones. Artwork featuring international issues has become an established tradition here.

Perhaps another emerging trend for the future? A non denominational, non sectarian mural. The Belfast dockers and carters strike of 1907, featuring images from a bygone era of co-operation between Protestant and Catholic workers in Belfast.

People going about their everyday business rarely notice the murals any more. Over the years they have became such a common feature of Belfast life. A shopper chats to her daughter, who is sending a text message on her phone, as she strolls along the Springfield road past an image of INLA hunger striker Patsy O,Hara, Che Guevara and others known for their socialist views.

Changed times and changed attitudes among republicans have allowed this once-striking mural to fade. The image features a rejection of the RUC which was the local Police force until recently. Now a revamped Police Service has been established and accepted among most people of both traditions. The bottom slogan urges greater use of the minority Irish language, and ironically also includes an English translation.