Sir, - We were alarmed to read Paul Cullen's article (The Irish Times, November 12th) in which he reported that the allocation for North-South and Anglo-Irish co-operation is being cut from £1.5 million to £500,000. It was difficult to decide which was more disappointing, the news itself or the fact that the item merited only a closing line in an article on overseas aid.
The Irish Government appears to have forgotten already the pledge that it made in the Good Friday Agreement to aid and recognise the work of organisations promoting reconciliation: "The participants value and recognise the work being done by many organisations to develop reconciliation and mutual understanding and respect between and within communities and traditions, in Northern Ireland and between North and South, and they see such work as having a vital role in consolidating peace and political agreement. Accordingly, they pledge their continuing support for such organisations and will positively examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for the work of reconciliation". It is difficult to see how the Irish Government can ask everyone else to fulfil the terms of the Good Friday Agreement if it is reneging on its own commitment.
The Good Friday Agreement creates the framework within which the work of building trust and mutual understanding, and the process of healing and the reconciliation of different identities, can be carried forward. We respect the difficulties which many politicians have overcome on the journey of peace, particularly since the lead-up to the ceasefires of 1994. It is now however very clear, as these same politicians attempt to lead their constituencies, that the wider public North and South must also be given ownership of the peace process.
It is essential that Government take its responsibilities seriously by giving a practical demonstration of support for those who are actively engaged in the task of making peace work. This has never been more important. - Yours, etc., Tony Kennedy Chief Executive, Co-operation Ireland, Ian White, Director, Glencree.