The Alliance Party conference opened in Belfast last night with the party chairman predicting the negotiations could conclude successfully. Dr Philip McGarry said while a political agreement could be reached, a long-term threat to the stability of Northern Ireland was posed by increased polarisation and sectarianism. "If agreement is reached we all know what the key elements will be - power-sharing, democratically accountable North-South bodies with significant powers and there will be a major emphasis upon protection of human rights," he said.
Alliance could take justifiable pride in its principles, formulating the key elements to a realistic and practical talks outcome. "No matter how much Sinn Fein and the UUP promote their own preferred options, the reality is that it is the Alliance Party's proposals and not theirs which will form the core of the agreement," Dr McGarry said. While there was a degree of peace over the last four years, almost 60 people were murdered in that period and so-called paramilitary punishment beatings and shootings continued.
However, alongside the reduction in violence there was a growth in community polarisation. "We remain a deeply divided society. Our schools, our housing and many of our recreational activities take place along segregated lines and the ugly graffiti and painted kerbstones are more prevalent than they have ever been." Dr McGarry ended: "By this time next week, we shall be able to celebrate a historic and honourable compromise, but far from being a solution, such an agreement merely provides the opportunity to begin the task of creating a normal and healthy society at peace with itself."
