Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases

14 June 2000

Learning from the Peace Process

Politicians involved in producing the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement two years ago have helped to produce an education pack in order that others might learn from the process. 'Striking a balance: the Northern Ireland peace process', written and edited by Clem McCartney for the Community Relations Council and the London-based Conciliation Resources, contains contributions from Mark Durkan (SDLP), Dermot Nesbitt (UUP), Monica McWilliams (Women's Coalition), Nigel Dodds (DUP) and Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail). There are also contributions from Irish republican and British Labour Party sources and numerous practical exercises.

"There is a lot to be learnt from the efforts, the successes and failures, which resulted in the Belfast Agreement and the subsequent attempts to implement it," according to editor Clem McCartney, "even though there is some way to go to reach a full resolution of the conflict."

The education pack is being launched on Wednesday at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, with a seminar involving a panel of party political contributors who will be reflecting on the peace process, the lessons to be learnt, and the way forward. There will also be a session for educators to examine the use of the pack as a resource in political education and conflict resolution work. It is intended that the education pack will be used in community, youth and adult education groups.

The launch begins at 10.30 am at the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, and a number of Assembly Members are expected to attend. The event is open to the media until 1 pm.

For further information contact:
Ray Mullan, Community Relations Council, Tel 028 90 227500