09/05/2003
Unionists must focus on a basic goal says report
Unionists must focus on a basic goal - a peaceful, economically prosperous and politically stable Northern Ireland, while drawing on a reserve of deeply held values.
This is according to 'A Long Peace,' a new report on the future of Unionism. Published today, with support from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, the report argues that a functioning democracy in Northern Ireland is "the only way to reconcile competing interests in a peaceful way", and calls on the Unionist movement to develop new strategies for engagement in the political process.
The 50-page report draws on consultations with individuals and groups across the community, and challenges Unionists to create a vision for strong government that will deliver a peaceful and prosperous future for Northern Ireland. By focusing on being realistic, positive, hard-headed, professional and open, 'A Long Peace' argues that Unionism can tackle its current predicament of being "regularly out-thought, out-flanked and out-witted by [its] opponents".
Commenting on the report, co-author Mike Fealty said: "Our aim was to focus on the future from a Unionist point of view and how this might be achieved. Although 'A Long Peace' was not about mapping out that future in any detail, we believe we have identified a number of issues that can be used to help shape debate in the coming months."
In particular, we have identified a need for increasing openness in Unionism. Stepping outside the problem and looking at solutions in other societies and governments may offer inspiration for the vision we believe Unionism must develop to succeed if it is to deliver strong and successful government for Northern Ireland in the future."
Copies of 'A Long Peace' are available from www.sluggerotoole.com/unionists
(MB)
This is according to 'A Long Peace,' a new report on the future of Unionism. Published today, with support from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, the report argues that a functioning democracy in Northern Ireland is "the only way to reconcile competing interests in a peaceful way", and calls on the Unionist movement to develop new strategies for engagement in the political process.
The 50-page report draws on consultations with individuals and groups across the community, and challenges Unionists to create a vision for strong government that will deliver a peaceful and prosperous future for Northern Ireland. By focusing on being realistic, positive, hard-headed, professional and open, 'A Long Peace' argues that Unionism can tackle its current predicament of being "regularly out-thought, out-flanked and out-witted by [its] opponents".
Commenting on the report, co-author Mike Fealty said: "Our aim was to focus on the future from a Unionist point of view and how this might be achieved. Although 'A Long Peace' was not about mapping out that future in any detail, we believe we have identified a number of issues that can be used to help shape debate in the coming months."
In particular, we have identified a need for increasing openness in Unionism. Stepping outside the problem and looking at solutions in other societies and governments may offer inspiration for the vision we believe Unionism must develop to succeed if it is to deliver strong and successful government for Northern Ireland in the future."
Copies of 'A Long Peace' are available from www.sluggerotoole.com/unionists
(MB)
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