Sir, - Over the past 30 years, Between has promoted an intensive, though deliberately discreet, programme to promote human relations and reconciliation with and between Northern Irish communities. Our work has touched both ends of the spectrum. Between has received written commendations for its work from the UDA, the UVF and the Republican Movement - commendations which have observed appreciatively on the low-key nature of the work which Between had done for their respective communities.
We have not been slow to express our unequivocal disappointment and reproof at the inadequacy of past governments' support for the essential work of reconciliation. Hence we feel, in justice, obliged to applaud the magnificent financial increase of 800 per cent afforded by the present administration to promote reconciliation in accordance with the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Such reconciliation is the warp and weft of the Northern peace process. Congratulations to Mr David Andrews (and to his officials) who convinced the Government of the paramount need to promote this aspect of human relations within our island and to the other members of Government for recognising its pre-eminent place in the chain of peacemaking.
We feel that we should also remark on the comparative silence of the media on the achievement. Can it be that they do not realise the significance of such a practical affirmation by the Government of the pre-eminence of reconciliation in the process of making peace on our island? - Is mise,
Criostoir de Baroid, North Mall, Cork.