The recent remarks of both former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Wallace Thompson, one of the founding members of the DUP, are to be welcomed. Both men have offered their vision for the New Ireland. Also to be commended is Reverend Karen for her engagement over a number of years. These are the kind of contributions that are much needed at this time in our history.
It is my belief that true reconciliation can only be achieved in a New Ireland by addressing the structural division that sustains the colonial mind-set of unionism. I also believe that as we prepare for a Border referendum, the work of building better relations must continue.
Those in the broad Nationalist-Republican community must continue to reach out in friendship to Unionist neighbours. Many do this every day. In my experience some unionist neighbours are also willing to reach out to their ‘separated brethren.’ There are some in the unionist family who reject the hand of friendship. They are hostile for many reasons.
The process of reconciliation must continue even while we wait for the Border Poll –but the border poll cannot be delayed forever. Otherwise true reconciliation on this island will be delayed for a very long time. That will disadvantage everybody.
Reconciliation can be progressed in many different ways:
– by supporting and promoting the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and by working for the Common Good.
– by seeking ways to overcome injustice. You cannot be reconciled with injustice or a false narrative about the past. It is difficult to be reconciled with political enemies while the British government in Westminster continues to maintain sovereignty and control in a part of Ireland.
Reconciliation in the context of the north of Ireland means that Nationalists/republicans continue to seek justice by peaceful non-violent means. Nationalists/Republicans must continue to be positive about the future of all citizens in a New Ireland
For Unionists it will mean advancing the goals of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement and protecting all the institutions of that Agreement voted for in 1998. It will mean rejecting the loyalist paramilitaries.
Creating a new future for all the people living on this island is a big challenge but it is a challenge I think we are capable of overcoming- for the sake of future generations born on the island of Ireland.
In the New Ireland that I envisage the Unionist culture must be protected and respected. We need each other. The Dublin government has a key role to play in persuading Unionists of their important place in the New Ireland.
The British need to begin to make arrangements for the Border Referendum. They must set a date so that political parties, groups and individuals can contribute to the ongoing discussions.
The international community represented at the United Nations needs to support the political process that will lead to a new democratic Ireland.
The process of peace and reconciliation in South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s should inspire us and inform us about how we must work to build a New Ireland which is inclusive and at peace with itself. We could learn from the example of Nelson Mandela and Mr de Klerk about how to work for reconciliation in a divided community.
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