Madam, – I have been following the debate (April 7th and 12th) regarding American funding, both philanthropic and government, used to underpin the Northern Ireland peace process. As a unionist who initially supported the boycotting of the International Fund for Ireland and was traditionally suspicious of Irish America’s bias towards republicanism, experience over 17 years has changed my views.
When it comes to the major US players I have come to appreciate the neutrality in their approach and the positive influence their intervention has made as the peace process evolved. As to whether such support should continue, I would say an unequivocal Yes. While the forthcoming elections are an indication that the peace process is maturing politically, there is significant work required to embed peace within communities. Northern Ireland society has come a long way and the US has shared that journey through organisations including IFI, American Ireland Fund and the George Mitchell Scholarship programme. However, for any of these groups to stop their support or advocate same would be tantamount to leaving the field before the game was over. The next phase of embedding peace in society is perhaps the most crucial in dealing with extremes and ensuring another generation will not be dragged back to the dark days of the Troubles. Peace cannot be measured by a body count, such statistics only reflect the level of violence.
Peace is evidenced in the changed minds of those who traditionally viewed the “other side” as the enemy. That change is a work in progress and needs ongoing support. – Yours, etc,