Putting principles into practice

The following statement was issued last night by the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition on the peace talks:

The following statement was issued last night by the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition on the peace talks:

When the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition stood for election in 1996 on issues of equality, inclusion, and respect for human rights, we believed these were not just aspirations, but principles that must translate into practice if we are to get an agreement that will stick.

It is clear that the parties can reach an agreement within the current timetable, despite the difficult points of discussion that remain. It is also clear, however, that the sustainability of any agreement will depend on the meaningful application of these cornerstone principles.

We have been concerned over the last week by attempts to return to an electoral system which would establish an Assembly for Northern Ireland that excludes the smaller parties. The role of the smaller parties in the negotiations to date has been significant and has allowed for movement and accommodation on a range of issues that go beyond the Orange and Green.

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Progress for Northern Ireland requires devolution of real powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly. If the Assembly is to deliver, it must have the legislative basis to do so. It must also be an accurate reflection of all communities throughout Northern Ireland, and therefore its voting and decision-making mechanisms must allow for confidence-building and consensus.

Our civic society has been the life blood of Northern Ireland for the last 30 years - this input needs to be developed as we seek a strong future. That strength can be ensured through the establishment of a Civic Forum to advise and support the Northern Ireland Assembly. Made up of members from the business community, voluntary sector, and trade unions it should consider proposals, engage in policy debate and offer opinion through reports when asked by the Assembly.

People in the South of Ireland will be asked to make a substantial contribution to the resolution of the conflict, through accepting changes to the Irish Constitution. If all of us on this island are to share the future, meaningful powers must be invested in any North-South structures. The envisaged North-South Council must build trust and uphold diversity in expression of culture and identity. Above all it must seek to maximise mutual benefit and deliver practical results from joint management of common interests.

The Coalition supports the establishment of a Human Rights Commission both in Northern Ireland and the Republic, with strong powers of enforcement. Given the legacy of the past, both in terms of disadvantage and discrimination, any future government in Northern Ireland needs to establish and implement guidelines that ensure fair treatment and equity in all aspects of its decision-making. How we police Northern Ireland in the future will remain a thorny issue for resolution long after Thursday. An Independent Commission on Policing with agreed terms of reference should be the first step forward on this difficult path.

The Women's Coalition came into this process determined that accommodation must be reached. Whatever the nature of the paper which is presented to us as a result of the synthesis of our work at these talks, it is incumbent upon all of us to take a deep breath, to think carefully before we speak, and to put any of our residual concerns as positively as possible.

We are able, as the Women's Coalition has always believed we are, to make the necessary compromises to achieve the political settlement which will provide the bedrock for peace and stability.