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04 November 2010

People are steadily losing heart because of the perceived lack of progressive or meaningful political dialogue in Northern Ireland. As a result a debate-style event aimed at bringing Stormont down from the Hill is to be held on 10th November at Ashfield Boys' School in East Belfast. The aim is to look to change for the better under the heading How do we best move forward?

The event will take the form of a 'town hall' meeting, with members of the audience asking questions from the floor on a whole range of issues they feel require to be aired and addressed with greater urgency or action from those who hold political power - issues such as: What kind of Northern Ireland do we really want to see? What about the state of education, or of healthcare provision here?  What of the worrying fall in the numbers turning out to vote? What can be done about the current democratic deficit in the province? These are just a few examples.  There are of course many more.

A panel chaired by Mark Devenport of BBC NI has been invited to tackle questions from the audience.  It includes leading members of the two main parties (Sinn Féin and DUP), a leading MP from the NIO, with Dawn Purvis (Independent MLA) and Liam Clarke (political commentator, The Sunday Times).

The choice of panel members was dictated by the wish for real dialogue between the people and a few of their politicians covering a wide cross-community mandate. The hope is that the theme of The Best Way Forward will help us avoid partisan accusation and finger-pointing in favour of seeking a way forward for the community at large.

Questions to the panel will commence at 7.30 pm.

Doors open 7 p.m.  Admission is free.  Seats are limited. 

Further details available from: James Smyth (028 4461 7575) james.smyth@nispeaksout.org.uk