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21/05/2004
Euro funding reduction a threat to peace process
Any reductions in the level of European funding available to Ireland for peace and reconciliation could adversely affect the peace process.
University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerry McKenna delivered his warning during a major cross border conference on the future of higher education and north-south economic co-operation on the island of Ireland.
Addressing delegates from Ireland’s nine universities on Thursday, Professor McKenna said: “Peace is a delicate and incremental process and it must be nurtured and strengthened until it is strong enough to stand on its own.
“Faith in what we are doing will require sustainable funding from existing sources and new income streams, if cross border co-operation is to develop from the strong platform that now exists. The PEACE I and II programmes for the border counties have been a lifeline since 2002 and are indeed part of the national development plan for Ireland.
“And I want to send a public message to Brussels and Strasbourg about the dangers of cutting off such lifelines of support at an important stage.”
In an overview of emerging challenges and opportunities for the higher education sector, Professor McKenna also criticised the rigid cap which Government has placed on student recruitment at the two Northern Ireland Universities, and called upon Ireland’s higher education sector to rise to the challenge of the learning needs of the international economy.
“With an unmet need in the world for 32 million higher education places every year, without even addressing the almost infinite capacity for learning in the developing and underdeveloped worlds it is ironic that Northern Ireland is the only region where there is a rigid ceiling on the number of students we can admit," Professor McKenna warned.
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University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerry McKenna delivered his warning during a major cross border conference on the future of higher education and north-south economic co-operation on the island of Ireland.
Addressing delegates from Ireland’s nine universities on Thursday, Professor McKenna said: “Peace is a delicate and incremental process and it must be nurtured and strengthened until it is strong enough to stand on its own.
“Faith in what we are doing will require sustainable funding from existing sources and new income streams, if cross border co-operation is to develop from the strong platform that now exists. The PEACE I and II programmes for the border counties have been a lifeline since 2002 and are indeed part of the national development plan for Ireland.
“And I want to send a public message to Brussels and Strasbourg about the dangers of cutting off such lifelines of support at an important stage.”
In an overview of emerging challenges and opportunities for the higher education sector, Professor McKenna also criticised the rigid cap which Government has placed on student recruitment at the two Northern Ireland Universities, and called upon Ireland’s higher education sector to rise to the challenge of the learning needs of the international economy.
“With an unmet need in the world for 32 million higher education places every year, without even addressing the almost infinite capacity for learning in the developing and underdeveloped worlds it is ironic that Northern Ireland is the only region where there is a rigid ceiling on the number of students we can admit," Professor McKenna warned.
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12 March 2004
Urgency creeps into Northern Ireland peace process
A renewed sense of urgency evident on Thursday night as Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair met in Dublin to discuss the Northern Ireland peace process. The two premiers pledged to take personal charge of a bid to break the deadlock following the return of the politicians from St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington next week.
Urgency creeps into Northern Ireland peace process
A renewed sense of urgency evident on Thursday night as Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair met in Dublin to discuss the Northern Ireland peace process. The two premiers pledged to take personal charge of a bid to break the deadlock following the return of the politicians from St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington next week.
27 March 2003
Nobel peace prize winner arrested in Washington
Northern Ireland peace prize winner Mairead Corrigan-Maguire has been arrested during an anti-war protest in Washington. Mrs Maguire, fellow Nobel laureate Jody Williams and two American bishops, were among 60 people demonstrating outside the White House last night.
Nobel peace prize winner arrested in Washington
Northern Ireland peace prize winner Mairead Corrigan-Maguire has been arrested during an anti-war protest in Washington. Mrs Maguire, fellow Nobel laureate Jody Williams and two American bishops, were among 60 people demonstrating outside the White House last night.
18 July 2001
BUSH CALLS FOR DECOMMISSIONING
US President George W Bush has called on the IRA and loyalist paramilitary groups to decommission their weapons in his most demonstrative statement regarding the Northern Ireland peace process to date. Mr Bush’s first public comments are widely regarded to increase pressure on the IRA and loyalists to break the deadlock in the political process.
BUSH CALLS FOR DECOMMISSIONING
US President George W Bush has called on the IRA and loyalist paramilitary groups to decommission their weapons in his most demonstrative statement regarding the Northern Ireland peace process to date. Mr Bush’s first public comments are widely regarded to increase pressure on the IRA and loyalists to break the deadlock in the political process.
03 July 2001
PREMIERS SCHEDULE TALKS ON NEXT STEP
BRITISH prime minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern have scheduled a meeting to discuss the next step in the stalled Northern Ireland peace process. It has been confirmed that Mr Blair and Mr Ahern will meet in Downing Street on Wednesday July 4 in an attempt to prevent the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
PREMIERS SCHEDULE TALKS ON NEXT STEP
BRITISH prime minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern have scheduled a meeting to discuss the next step in the stalled Northern Ireland peace process. It has been confirmed that Mr Blair and Mr Ahern will meet in Downing Street on Wednesday July 4 in an attempt to prevent the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
29 October 2004
UU Vice-Chancellor hits out at government proposals
Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster, today expressed his “disappointment and concern” following the announcement of government proposals for the funding of higher education in Northern Ireland from 2006.
UU Vice-Chancellor hits out at government proposals
Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster, today expressed his “disappointment and concern” following the announcement of government proposals for the funding of higher education in Northern Ireland from 2006.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
