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)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
20 July 2001
NI PRISONS REPORT DOWNTURN IN VIOLENCE
LEVELS of prison violence in Northern Ireland have dramatically dropped this year according to a new prison service annual report. The Northern Ireland Prison Service’s annual report reveals that major disturbances characteristic of previous years, when large groups of paramilitary groups were incarcerated, have decreased significantly.
01 April 2004
Report calls for railway expansion
A report commissioned by Northern Ireland's bus and rail company, Translink has said that the railway service should be expanded here. The report into the future of rail travel in the province said the rail system could be dramatically improved for just an extra few million pounds a year.
20 October 2017
Antibiotic Use In NI Is 10% Higher Than England
The use of antibiotics in Northern Ireland is 30% higher than England, according to NI's Chief Medical Officer. Dr Michael McBride issued a stark warning in his 10th Annual Report and said urgent action is needed to prevent millions of people worldwide dying unnecessarily from infections each year due to the growing resistance to antibiotics.
25 October 2023
Farming Community Urged To Identify Future Investment Needs
Northern Ireland's farming community has been urged to help identify future investment needs for farms.