By Trevor Ringland
Five of the Stormont political parties are about to embark on a series of talks chaired by the US diplomat, Richard Haass. They will discuss some of Northern Ireland’s most intractable problems, around symbols, sectarianism, parades and dealing with the past.
Hopes are not high for a positive outcome, but none of these issues are unsolvable. They’ve been tackled successfully on a smaller scale, by community groups, sporting bodies and 100s of ordinary people, who were determined to enjoy a better relationship with their neighbours. These are just three outcomes which NI Conservatives believe the talks could and should deliver.
1) Flags should be flown respectfully and appropriately, reflecting Northern Ireland’s constitutional position, and they should not be used to aggressively assert the identity of one part of the community in Northern Ireland. Their place is on private property or public buildings, not on street furniture, gable walls or lamp-posts. NI Conservatives believe that the Union Flag should fly on public buildings and council headquarters on designated days, right across the province.
2) Any alternative to the parades commission must centre on the rule of law. We believe that respect for the rule of law and an insistence on upholding the rule of law is a crucial responsibility for everyone involved in marches, whether they’re taking part in them, or protesting against them. There is a clear need for a neutral body to consider all the facts, provide mediation if necessary and make determinations on parades. Whether this is the Parades Commission, or another organisation, its rulings should always be adhered to and respected.
3) A ‘statement of wrongs’ should be drafted acknowledging that everyone who acted outside the law during Northern Ireland’s ‘Troubles’ was wrong, whether they were republicans, loyalists or members of the security forces. We can only build a hopeful, harmonious future if we understand the mistakes of the past and refuse to glorify people or organisations who committed murder and caused misery. NI Conservatives call for an archive, developing the book Lost Lives, to be established, documenting the stories and facts about the 1,000s of families whose lives were devastated by political violence in Northern Ireland.
These are just three ideas, across three of the main strands which the Haass talks will have to address. There are many, many more things which can be achieved to increase shared housing and education, encourage an inclusive Northern Irish identity and make our streets more peaceful. However we feel these objectives are achievable and provide a useful starting point
It’s up to the five parties involved in these talks to draft something as constructive.