Visit to Stormont Castle (Parliament Building) on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 1 PM
-------------------------
History Presentation Notes
Northern Ireland Assembly | Northern Ireland Parliament
1932-72 home of unionist governments
Only unionists in power here
Civil unrest
1972 - GB closed building until 1998
April 1998 - Belfast / Good Friday Agreement
May 1998 - Vote passed on 71%
June 1998 - First Election
Oct 2002 - Assembly is suspended by GB
November 2003 - second election
October 2006 - St Andrews Agreement
Good Friday agreement for slow learners
Money from S Ireland and UK
May 8th 2007 - Assembly is restored
Belfast / Good Friday Agreement
Equal place in government, and representation
Minister and Deputy must each be Loyalist and Unionist, both have equal power
Cooperation between NI and ROI, equal cooperation between NI and UK
Issues:
- Decommissioning
- Policing: Patent reported on Policing in NI
- Prisoners: All released, should have record removed?
- Human rights
Devolution - Transfer of power from central power to regional government
Universally wanted
Allows decisions to be made
Central government remains in control ever
Assembly
108 elected members and speakers (MLAs)
18 elected to Westminster
Committees do work outside assembly meetings
Speaker has no vote
-----------------------------------
Meetings with Party Representatives
Wilson - NI Green Party
First Elected to NI
Green issues are the issues of the next generation, every other European government has held Green members
Last time all Sectarian Issues, Now it is Green Issues
Borders do not matter when the whole world it in trouble
When arrive at Stormont need to designate: Unionist / Loyalist
W/o designating, can not vote on some things
This institutionalizes the division
Clive McFarlin
Policy Advisor for DUP, Local Councilor
DUP wants to stay with UK but has always wanted to have own government
Tommy Gahliger, SDLP
SDLP - View unite people through ideas, not violence
(More of a middle class party than SF)
Anna Low, Alliance Party
First Chinese background (and woman) to be elected to European government
Aliance party is inclusive of all peoples in NI
1960's - Chinese community started to come to NI, in 80's became largest ethnic group. Over time became Migrant workers, now Polish. With many other groups
10,000 Chinese here now, into 3rd generation, 1st stuck to catering, Chinese food restaurants, not moved beyond.
She ran for South Belfast, region most winnable for a person of a ethnic minority
3rd elected out of 6 MLA for S. Belfast
People in that region wanted Alliance, gave 1 vote
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Intercomm Interviews: Sid Trotter
Forth interview organized by Intercomm
Sid Trotter - LINC http://www.linc-ncm.org/
Thursday, June 07, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Work in Protestant areas that also suffer, just like Catholics
Community relations is married to Community development
Informal grouping w/o communities
Most evident during marching
Work to empowering people
Communities have very much in common
Always been the case
Nationalist better at promoting at own walls "state against self"
Different interest - Nationalists want to question everything, Unionists want to not talk about same suffering, British not want to take down state
W/o shipping industry there is an even playing field, even some advantages for Catholics, like 1:1 police recruiting
Linc / Intercomm relation
Billy formed Linc
Liam and Billy formed Intercoomm
These are the biggest organizations
Smaller more specific ones
Groups have competition for funding, ensures quality, but fragments
There is dialogue, especially before potential conflict
High taxes in north dissuades business from coming here, but have quality workers, when come, will work out for everyone
IRA did not win any war, it was eye for eye with loyalists, and everyone getting blind
The poor were not any better off
SI has moved on,
Prods are just as ready for peace, 50:50
But do not want to lose British identity
Want peace, one towards United Ireland, one towards stay in UK
Sid Trotter - LINC http://www.linc-ncm.org/
Thursday, June 07, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Work in Protestant areas that also suffer, just like Catholics
Community relations is married to Community development
Informal grouping w/o communities
Most evident during marching
Work to empowering people
Communities have very much in common
Always been the case
Nationalist better at promoting at own walls "state against self"
Different interest - Nationalists want to question everything, Unionists want to not talk about same suffering, British not want to take down state
W/o shipping industry there is an even playing field, even some advantages for Catholics, like 1:1 police recruiting
Linc / Intercomm relation
Billy formed Linc
Liam and Billy formed Intercoomm
These are the biggest organizations
Smaller more specific ones
Groups have competition for funding, ensures quality, but fragments
There is dialogue, especially before potential conflict
High taxes in north dissuades business from coming here, but have quality workers, when come, will work out for everyone
IRA did not win any war, it was eye for eye with loyalists, and everyone getting blind
The poor were not any better off
SI has moved on,
Prods are just as ready for peace, 50:50
But do not want to lose British identity
Want peace, one towards United Ireland, one towards stay in UK
Intercomm Interviews: Gerard O'Reilly
Third of a series of interviews with Interomm staff.
Gerard O'Reilly - North Belfast Interface Manager
Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 9:15AM
Recent history post Good Friday Agreement
Unionist hesitant, DUP had non-negotiation policy "no camp"
Tried to break IRA cease fire
People bombed, burned out of houses, glass bombs, shooting
2001 - Talks started, understanding among senior people at this had to stop
Pressure on politicians to bring agreement from outside, Blare and US wanted peace in NI as victory for them
2001 - 90% of violence coming from loyalist side
Strategy
Short -
Medium - Our reach to those who have pos effect on peace possess
Long term - stable peace
Now again
Want communities, then country to unite
Used to be Fire Fighting, responding to situations 24/7/365 at any of the Flash points in the city
Now Today
Adults are not in the violence, it is 8-16 year olds
Deal with differently, adults are responsible for theirs actions, children can get caught up in it
This generation knows nothing but violence
Rep go to grass roots more than dub, big step recently to work w/ SF
Peace Walls
NIO (Northern Ireland Office), Police, everyone jointly decide if a fence goes up
Conflict continues in Water Works park, kids think they are not bothering anyone
Not many kids are doing getting involved in this violence, it is a small percentage
Bonfire moved from interface to heart of protestant area, Tigers Bay
Steps of Ground level work
Identify self
Process of identifying child if there repeatedly
Try to contact parents
Try to get some schools involved, mixed response, some believe after 4PM police and parents responsibility
Ground workers on both sides, work together
How it fits together
Intercomm offers training and experiences to community, open door to dialogue
It comes down to community
Schools
Children who will not achieve academically will be left behind
Then have low self esteem, problems at home, other problems come from that
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Notes: Community Relations Council
Community Relations Council
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 2PM (20 minutes late)
------------
Into Lecture
Work Created by groups like Corrrymela, nut had to spend half of time rasing money
This group takes that financial burden off the peace groups
Double society, difference only given away by signals
Segregations run deep and is cultural
Into sports
Building bridges
Mainstream community relations by making public sector
5% of children go to integrated schools, this initiative is started by parents, not state
Promote shared future
-------------------------------------------------------
Work Context Lecture by Duncan Murrow, Chief Executive
The questions of NI is, "To be or not to be?" Not anything not part of anything, should it be, very contested society, can not take for granted.
This contest has been worked out through violence
How does the future look? Abused working with those who have abused them. Not an easy step. All feel they have been hurt worse, none want to make first step.
1492 on Colonial Period began and problems solved by exporting them
Same time as plantation of Ulster, same age as US, different outcomes
1588 - Fall of Spanish Armada
British concern that Ireland could be used by Spain, as strategic point
Fighting between Irish tribes, Spain and Britain, Irish tried to get help from rest of Catholic Europe (France, Spain, Rome)
To deal with this threat, Brits had north (biggest threat) colonized by who could trust (Protestants), Mainly Scottish
Division remained over time. Catholics want out of oppressive division of NI
Protestants feel if not existing, they will become the minority
Economics + Politics + Religion -> Power
Different ideas of threats, defense, loyalties
Reconciliation
Have to now form a new relationship when all know is current not working unbalance
1920 1921 - NI established as intern solution, then SI given Independence
Initially Unionists have 65% of vote, now 55%. With this got 100% of government
Unionists feel it is legitimate, Republicans do not
Catholics feel robed, organize own army
Protestants do not have army, but organize police
Special Powers Act (like National Security)
Cycle of violence
Things that happen in "our" community effect us more deeply than what happen to people our there
Agreed cause: "Them"
Identify with us and them, Asking to make an agreement is also asking to change
Progress
Britain and Ireland always sought to contain the NI conflicts
1993 - Ireland and GB agree on structure of NI, to share power
Good for US, and EU, hard for NI
This year have partnership between DUP and Sinn Fein, parties that most violently represented communities.
Community Relations Co
1. Fund groups on ground
2. Think how would you try to promote a "shared future"
* Plans from division to peace
* Policy ideas, regenerations, district councils,
* connect action at ground to higher level
3. Get people together who have done practical work and who have done research
Reconciliation - Easy to say, but need to demonstrate, grow experiences
--------------------
Funded Work Lecture
If activities involve things from both communities, than it is cross community work, and should be funded. No, needs to be more than that. Tesco does that everyday.
Its about relationships, and safe space
Peace does not happen all together, there are a number of them
Programs here
1) 37 organizations, regional based, about developing a network, Mediation type to interface work.
2) 300-400 applications from local community groups for projects
* Large variety, Community relation issues w/ Hospital Staff to Church or Ireland links with other churches to get mix of kids to do volunteer service work in summer
3) Work with Victim / Survivor Community
* Victims often the ones holding back agreement
* Can not tell someone who lost so much to move on, because the rest of society needs to move on.
* For these victims, the start in 1690 might as well have been yesterday
Money Comes in through Government, International fund for Ireland, European Fund
5 million goes out to organizations / programs
Not a government agency, but connected to government
No one is arguing against Shared Future, argue over what it means
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 2PM (20 minutes late)
------------
Into Lecture
Work Created by groups like Corrrymela, nut had to spend half of time rasing money
This group takes that financial burden off the peace groups
Double society, difference only given away by signals
Segregations run deep and is cultural
Into sports
Building bridges
Mainstream community relations by making public sector
5% of children go to integrated schools, this initiative is started by parents, not state
Promote shared future
-------------------------------------------------------
Work Context Lecture by Duncan Murrow, Chief Executive
The questions of NI is, "To be or not to be?" Not anything not part of anything, should it be, very contested society, can not take for granted.
This contest has been worked out through violence
How does the future look? Abused working with those who have abused them. Not an easy step. All feel they have been hurt worse, none want to make first step.
1492 on Colonial Period began and problems solved by exporting them
Same time as plantation of Ulster, same age as US, different outcomes
1588 - Fall of Spanish Armada
British concern that Ireland could be used by Spain, as strategic point
Fighting between Irish tribes, Spain and Britain, Irish tried to get help from rest of Catholic Europe (France, Spain, Rome)
To deal with this threat, Brits had north (biggest threat) colonized by who could trust (Protestants), Mainly Scottish
Division remained over time. Catholics want out of oppressive division of NI
Protestants feel if not existing, they will become the minority
Economics + Politics + Religion -> Power
Different ideas of threats, defense, loyalties
Reconciliation
Have to now form a new relationship when all know is current not working unbalance
1920 1921 - NI established as intern solution, then SI given Independence
Initially Unionists have 65% of vote, now 55%. With this got 100% of government
Unionists feel it is legitimate, Republicans do not
Catholics feel robed, organize own army
Protestants do not have army, but organize police
Special Powers Act (like National Security)
Cycle of violence
Things that happen in "our" community effect us more deeply than what happen to people our there
Agreed cause: "Them"
Identify with us and them, Asking to make an agreement is also asking to change
Progress
Britain and Ireland always sought to contain the NI conflicts
1993 - Ireland and GB agree on structure of NI, to share power
Good for US, and EU, hard for NI
This year have partnership between DUP and Sinn Fein, parties that most violently represented communities.
Community Relations Co
1. Fund groups on ground
2. Think how would you try to promote a "shared future"
* Plans from division to peace
* Policy ideas, regenerations, district councils,
* connect action at ground to higher level
3. Get people together who have done practical work and who have done research
Reconciliation - Easy to say, but need to demonstrate, grow experiences
--------------------
Funded Work Lecture
If activities involve things from both communities, than it is cross community work, and should be funded. No, needs to be more than that. Tesco does that everyday.
Its about relationships, and safe space
Peace does not happen all together, there are a number of them
Programs here
1) 37 organizations, regional based, about developing a network, Mediation type to interface work.
2) 300-400 applications from local community groups for projects
* Large variety, Community relation issues w/ Hospital Staff to Church or Ireland links with other churches to get mix of kids to do volunteer service work in summer
3) Work with Victim / Survivor Community
* Victims often the ones holding back agreement
* Can not tell someone who lost so much to move on, because the rest of society needs to move on.
* For these victims, the start in 1690 might as well have been yesterday
Money Comes in through Government, International fund for Ireland, European Fund
5 million goes out to organizations / programs
Not a government agency, but connected to government
No one is arguing against Shared Future, argue over what it means
Intercomm Q&A: Robert McBride
Attended meeting at Intercomm instead of morning visit to Police Community Board
Wednesday, June 6, 07 12 - 2 PM
Question and Answer Period
Q: Does going over the past help with healing?
A: Need to make peace with enemy, not friends
1) Acknowledge those that allowed peace
2) Recognize common humanity
Need to be open to new approaches and to look at things differently because old way does not work
This is difficult for combatants labeled killers, who will be left holding responsibility
Focus normally on perpetrators / victims (people who fired or bombed), however in reality not like that. Circumstances brought them to it, victims become perpetrators, no one can claim clean hands, look away, told a joke, wrote something discriminating.
Every group waiting for other to say sorry first
Truth commission - needs consensus, especially among combatants who will live with stigma. South Africa's took place in another country, so no prosecution for crimes confessed
Q: How has police structure left over from before changed?
A: Many officers left on their own, their racist ideas do not fit in the new system
Worl does not evolve arround one person's suffering, many people are suffering
Q: People want to move on, some can not let go. How do we get through to those who can't forget what happened to them?
A: All suffering is waised if don't move on and ensure a good future
Some need time, have to provide a forum for them, don't let them hold process back
Q: What can be done for people with skillet important at time of conflict are lost with out employment? (besides those that go into civil service)
A: Have unemployment problems because lack skilled labor, not becase lack jobs
Find fits for former combatants based on skills they do have
Leadership - 2 years learning period, tax break for company
Q: How can we keep civil servants responcible to the people?
A: Need new ones, using agreed process
Q: Thoughts on excombatants in police force?
A: Process from changing from a informal (community driven) poicing system to a formal one is not handled well.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Intercomm Interviews: Sean Brennan
Second of a series of interviews with Interomm staff.
Sean Brennan - Development Officer
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 3 PM
The Catholic community became self sufficiant after being shunned by protestant community. Had own Schools, Churchs, etc. Everything was "do it yourself"
1970s - 90's
Comunity developed sustained educational empizezed to getout of poverty
Up to late 80's
Protestants have less empasis on education because children know will get father's job.
Up to 1945
No social care packages
1948
Free education and had proportional representation (21)
Trade Union Movement
Some support from Catholics as well
Support comes from community groups and churches because government was hesitant to give equals to Catholics
1979 Thatcherism
Local industries hit badly and many protestants lost their jobs.
Effectively a de-industrialization of the UK
Education now needs to become important but not part of Prod tradition
Northern Ireland Protestant people living in England and Scotland
young people leave for Education or other reasons and do not come back
Conflict is respondent now,
not between communities as much
Eternal Influences
Great Brittan Policies and Social Reform
US, 60's movements
Unionist part of UK party
People make own community group
Intercomm - leading community group
Late 1970's
Action for Community Employment b/c if not employed IRA will recruit
EU had given priority 1 status for a period and it helped
220,000 registered unemployed come over every year
70% of jobs are public sector
Sean Brennan - Development Officer
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 3 PM
The Catholic community became self sufficiant after being shunned by protestant community. Had own Schools, Churchs, etc. Everything was "do it yourself"
1970s - 90's
Comunity developed sustained educational empizezed to getout of poverty
Up to late 80's
Protestants have less empasis on education because children know will get father's job.
Up to 1945
No social care packages
1948
Free education and had proportional representation (21)
Trade Union Movement
Some support from Catholics as well
Support comes from community groups and churches because government was hesitant to give equals to Catholics
1979 Thatcherism
Local industries hit badly and many protestants lost their jobs.
Effectively a de-industrialization of the UK
Education now needs to become important but not part of Prod tradition
Northern Ireland Protestant people living in England and Scotland
young people leave for Education or other reasons and do not come back
Conflict is respondent now,
not between communities as much
Eternal Influences
Great Brittan Policies and Social Reform
US, 60's movements
Unionist part of UK party
People make own community group
Intercomm - leading community group
Late 1970's
Action for Community Employment b/c if not employed IRA will recruit
EU had given priority 1 status for a period and it helped
220,000 registered unemployed come over every year
70% of jobs are public sector
Maze/LongKesh
Tour of LongKesh Prison Tuesday, June 5th at 9:30 AM before going to Intercomm.
To elaborate on the analogy that our volunteer assignment is a bit like summer camp, today we took a field trip. Rob and I got a private tour of LongKesh prison.
This prison is famous for detainment of prisoners during the troubles, housing the 1981 hunger strikes, the 1983 breakout, and the recent plans to convert the space into a stadium.
The H Block and hospital where the hunger strike took place are being reserved and becoming an historical landmark. Memorials to this even can be found all over Ireland, and it was chilling to actually be there.
Irish Freedom Committee Page on the Hunger Strike
Wikipedia Irish Hunger Strike Article
We were walked through all the details of the 1983 breakout. Most of those who escaped left the country. There are two of the planners who give talks in pubs around Ireland about how they did it. The biggest weakness was that each H Block operated so independently. The prisoners were able to overtake their H Block and wait for the regular truck that comes by to make their escape further from there.
On our tour we saw block 3, which would be identical to block 7, which is being preserved because of all that happened there. We climbed one of the towers, from which we could see the walls, gates, govener rooms, and rooms for officers who had been threatened. The most the prison is know it hold was 1700 prisoners, with 1200 staff.
To elaborate on the analogy that our volunteer assignment is a bit like summer camp, today we took a field trip. Rob and I got a private tour of LongKesh prison.
This prison is famous for detainment of prisoners during the troubles, housing the 1981 hunger strikes, the 1983 breakout, and the recent plans to convert the space into a stadium.
The H Block and hospital where the hunger strike took place are being reserved and becoming an historical landmark. Memorials to this even can be found all over Ireland, and it was chilling to actually be there.
Irish Freedom Committee Page on the Hunger Strike
Wikipedia Irish Hunger Strike Article
We were walked through all the details of the 1983 breakout. Most of those who escaped left the country. There are two of the planners who give talks in pubs around Ireland about how they did it. The biggest weakness was that each H Block operated so independently. The prisoners were able to overtake their H Block and wait for the regular truck that comes by to make their escape further from there.
On our tour we saw block 3, which would be identical to block 7, which is being preserved because of all that happened there. We climbed one of the towers, from which we could see the walls, gates, govener rooms, and rooms for officers who had been threatened. The most the prison is know it hold was 1700 prisoners, with 1200 staff.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Notes: Hazelwood Integrated School
Hazlewood Secondary
Monday, June 04, 2007
First Lecture by Principal
1984 - Groundwork lead
1985 - School opened
First class of 17, now about 800 total and some turned away
2 staff members left from this
2nd integrated secondary, still only 2
Middle class school
New schools w/o traditions, young teachers can build their own
Peace Assemble - Invite people from community to see children for community to sing together
1988 - Department of education
Comprehensive school - let in anyone, in 11+ exam system
Susan (ex pupil) Community link / Youth Worker
Cross community projects (Catholics and Protestants working together)
Andrea - Link for students who English is not first language
Support for Polish, Japanese, etc.
Things they do not understand
--Are there more minority students here than average?
-------------------------------
Second Lecture by Fionnuala O’Connor
Political Journalist, covered story since beginning
Book on integrated Education: A Shared Childhood, The Story of Integrated Schools in Northern Ireland
View in book: Not a solution, part of it, Can only help
1998 or 1999 - Last time here, Hazelwood in news for being brave. Students interviewed by radio reporter. Clashes happening near school. On interview told how riot after school w/ community and family, then are friendly w/ integrated school friends next day.
Prejudice - Darkest face the most hate. Most violence in Poor Protestant areas, where there are available houses.
500 interfaces in N Belfast, wall going up by primary school
Don't talk about differences
The roll of Media - Journalists too quiet for too long, best coverage came from outside. More recently NI journalists have been braver and giving better coverage on the truth in NI
Monday, June 04, 2007
First Lecture by Principal
1984 - Groundwork lead
1985 - School opened
First class of 17, now about 800 total and some turned away
2 staff members left from this
2nd integrated secondary, still only 2
Middle class school
New schools w/o traditions, young teachers can build their own
Peace Assemble - Invite people from community to see children for community to sing together
1988 - Department of education
Comprehensive school - let in anyone, in 11+ exam system
Susan (ex pupil) Community link / Youth Worker
Cross community projects (Catholics and Protestants working together)
Andrea - Link for students who English is not first language
Support for Polish, Japanese, etc.
Things they do not understand
--Are there more minority students here than average?
-------------------------------
Second Lecture by Fionnuala O’Connor
Political Journalist, covered story since beginning
Book on integrated Education: A Shared Childhood, The Story of Integrated Schools in Northern Ireland
View in book: Not a solution, part of it, Can only help
1998 or 1999 - Last time here, Hazelwood in news for being brave. Students interviewed by radio reporter. Clashes happening near school. On interview told how riot after school w/ community and family, then are friendly w/ integrated school friends next day.
Prejudice - Darkest face the most hate. Most violence in Poor Protestant areas, where there are available houses.
500 interfaces in N Belfast, wall going up by primary school
Don't talk about differences
The roll of Media - Journalists too quiet for too long, best coverage came from outside. More recently NI journalists have been braver and giving better coverage on the truth in NI
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Weekend in Dublin
The twelve of us who were not sick this weekend went to Dublin, squeezed in two hotel rooms. We were only there one night but I got a nice idea of the city during this second visit. It is more of a "City" than Belfast, and and now that I have been here longer I can distinguish the accent. There is significantly more tourism in Dublin, and I got most of my souvenirs during this trip. We did not have much plans for the days and did not want to pay for touristy things to do, so we shopped, visited Trinity College, went by but did not see the Book of Kells, posed by the statue of Molly Malone, and had a great night out in the bars.
Friday, June 01, 2007
My Observations on Corrymeela
Corrymeela was an interesting stop. I had already heard a little bit about it from people at Intercomm, so I had an idea what to expect; or rather I knew to keep an open mind on what to expect. Exactly what I was told is that they take a religions look at peace making and that one day a group paramilitary can be in there and the next a Sunday afternoon knitting club. They appeal to all different groups like that. When some other people in our group saw the "kitting club" like group that we walked past right upon arriving there were some strange looks and "Where are we?" was heard in our crowd.
The best thing about it was to see the different type of peace making going on, along side the political and third-sector efforts we are seeing in Belfast. Then to hear their political views, or lack there of, in some cases.
The second day we were in such a rush. I wish we took a second venture to the Northern coast, even if just for tourist reasons to do all the great things there, instead of doing all the best stuff in one day.
The best thing about it was to see the different type of peace making going on, along side the political and third-sector efforts we are seeing in Belfast. Then to hear their political views, or lack there of, in some cases.
The second day we were in such a rush. I wish we took a second venture to the Northern coast, even if just for tourist reasons to do all the great things there, instead of doing all the best stuff in one day.
Notes: Corrymeela
Discussion of Corrymeela Center for Peace
Talk by Roni Miller, Center Director
About
Around 41 years
150 community members + friends and associates
Began by Presbyterian minister
Peace and Reconciliation Center
Need developed
1966 - UVF shooting people
1969 - Troubles started
- Belfast and Derry Marches
Early 70's - War zone violence
- Here is a safe place for people to come and tell their stories
Tangent - 40' Peace Wall by Hazelwood Primary
- Normally people come for 4-6+ days
- Corrymeela = "hill of harmony" or "Meeting place at turn of road"
Who comes here
Community groups have weekly meetings, come here from time to time
- Works with 'grassroots' schools, community groups, churches
- May bring 2 different ones here are same time
- Everyone over 18 in NI has heard of Corrymeela
- Challenge now is to stay relevant
- BBC does reality show staged meetings of victom and and attacker, here it just happens
Funding
- 1.4 million pounds to keep running
- 25% Trusts / Foundations
- 25% Government funding
- 25% Donations
- 25% Varied group contributionsh
Talk by Roni Miller, Center Director
About
Around 41 years
150 community members + friends and associates
Began by Presbyterian minister
Peace and Reconciliation Center
Need developed
1966 - UVF shooting people
1969 - Troubles started
- Belfast and Derry Marches
Early 70's - War zone violence
- Here is a safe place for people to come and tell their stories
Tangent - 40' Peace Wall by Hazelwood Primary
- Normally people come for 4-6+ days
- Corrymeela = "hill of harmony" or "Meeting place at turn of road"
Who comes here
Community groups have weekly meetings, come here from time to time
- Works with 'grassroots' schools, community groups, churches
- May bring 2 different ones here are same time
- Everyone over 18 in NI has heard of Corrymeela
- Challenge now is to stay relevant
- BBC does reality show staged meetings of victom and and attacker, here it just happens
Funding
- 1.4 million pounds to keep running
- 25% Trusts / Foundations
- 25% Government funding
- 25% Donations
- 25% Varied group contributionsh
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Intercomm Interviews: John Loughran
First of a series of interviews with Interomm staff.
John Loughran - Developing Leadership Initiative Project Manager
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 2 PM
Background
Queens University from 1992-95, currently getting a masters in Irish Politics
Design Comunity Programs
Look at government at how fills needs of and tries to fill what is missing
Asking new questions
1995 / 1996 Political and Institutional change short of what is expected
View that previous state lacked legitimacy
Policing roll in society
NIO and GB government vs. Pattent to NI back 5 years
Attitude change from "yeah, ok" to less trusting "what do you really mean?"
People disappointed, recognize family losses
Looking at conflict differently
Economy
Skills not there
Increased cost of living
Can no longer buy houses
Influx of money is not going to the right places
GB holds power in NI
Good Friday Agreement
About institutions
Ended argument between GB and S. Ireland (not N. Ireland)
George Mitcheal wrote based on papers from parties with out them talking to each other
Recommended Read - George Kennan
Prices of Peace
The two groups needed to be made equal, which meant gains for the Catholics and "loss" for Protestants. Now more people for peace are Catholic
Private sector does not come to NI because tax is twice as high
Bill Clinton created many jobs, but most of this money leaves the country
Most people in the conflict were killed in one square mile of this building (Intercomm); majority of them with in 9 feet of their front door. As consequence, the worse things get, the more people cling to their homes and neighborhoods, afraid to leave.
Violence in a new era
Young want to "defend community"
For most the context has changed, just not for them
Peace the absence of war or absence of violence?
If war, the Good Friday Agreement worked, made all Paramilitary criminals, problem: Catholics view state as enemy
Don't need guns for violence
1930's / 40's - Trickle down emigration to Brittan, discriminated
NI are neither Irish nor British
post 1936 - Labor act, free education, health care, family money, terrible effect on NI because Unionists not want to give anything to Catholics
Want them to emigrate
Emergency legislation recently passed gives police power to confiscate journalist papers
George Galliway - Politician
Allen Dulls - Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is 0-sum
Here don't talk about suspected informers, division in parties
Irish have become European
John Loughran - Developing Leadership Initiative Project Manager
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 2 PM
Background
Queens University from 1992-95, currently getting a masters in Irish Politics
Design Comunity Programs
Look at government at how fills needs of and tries to fill what is missing
Asking new questions
1995 / 1996 Political and Institutional change short of what is expected
View that previous state lacked legitimacy
Policing roll in society
NIO and GB government vs. Pattent to NI back 5 years
Attitude change from "yeah, ok" to less trusting "what do you really mean?"
People disappointed, recognize family losses
Looking at conflict differently
Economy
Skills not there
Increased cost of living
Can no longer buy houses
Influx of money is not going to the right places
GB holds power in NI
Good Friday Agreement
About institutions
Ended argument between GB and S. Ireland (not N. Ireland)
George Mitcheal wrote based on papers from parties with out them talking to each other
Recommended Read - George Kennan
Prices of Peace
The two groups needed to be made equal, which meant gains for the Catholics and "loss" for Protestants. Now more people for peace are Catholic
Private sector does not come to NI because tax is twice as high
Bill Clinton created many jobs, but most of this money leaves the country
Most people in the conflict were killed in one square mile of this building (Intercomm); majority of them with in 9 feet of their front door. As consequence, the worse things get, the more people cling to their homes and neighborhoods, afraid to leave.
Violence in a new era
Young want to "defend community"
For most the context has changed, just not for them
Peace the absence of war or absence of violence?
If war, the Good Friday Agreement worked, made all Paramilitary criminals, problem: Catholics view state as enemy
Don't need guns for violence
1930's / 40's - Trickle down emigration to Brittan, discriminated
NI are neither Irish nor British
post 1936 - Labor act, free education, health care, family money, terrible effect on NI because Unionists not want to give anything to Catholics
Want them to emigrate
Emergency legislation recently passed gives police power to confiscate journalist papers
George Galliway - Politician
Allen Dulls - Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is 0-sum
Here don't talk about suspected informers, division in parties
Irish have become European
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Intercomm Interface Meeting Notes
At Intercomm today, we sat in on a meeting about work going on in North Belfast interfaces. These are my notes from that meeting.
Predominant Topic:
Meetings and the Clash of Meetings
Topics:
- One sided news coverage
- Moving construction start date on school renovations
- Organizing residents
- Taking away the barrier at the end of street Tigers Bay/New Lodge area
Incidents:
- 40 kids going and attacking others with metal bars (Kids = 10 to 15yrs)
- Two kids in Water Works throwing stones at gay man's house
Next Meeting 1PM Wednesday, June 6th
Predominant Topic:
Meetings and the Clash of Meetings
Topics:
- One sided news coverage
- Moving construction start date on school renovations
- Organizing residents
- Taking away the barrier at the end of street Tigers Bay/New Lodge area
Incidents:
- 40 kids going and attacking others with metal bars (Kids = 10 to 15yrs)
- Two kids in Water Works throwing stones at gay man's house
Next Meeting 1PM Wednesday, June 6th
Monday, May 28, 2007
Rathlin Island
For the holiday Monday Leandra, Rob and I took an UlsterBus tour. It went to Rathlin Island and back through Ballycastle. This is the smallest inhabited island in Ireland. There seemed to be limited access to electricity, and while there are cars on the island, gasoline only comes in once a week. We took a hike up to the light house, though we could not go inside.
Once the visitor center was open, I got more information on the island. It is interesting that it is the home of the story "The Children of Lir". Lir was a Irish chieftain whose wife died after giving him a daughter and three sons. Lir married his wife's half sister who was jealous of her husband's love for his children and turned them into four swans. They were destined to spend nine-hundred years this way, but at the coming of Christianity the spell was broken. I had heard variations of this story when very very young, could not believe I was actually there.
After we left the Island --on the ferry that felt like it would tip over before it made it to shore-- we got a short while in Ballycastle. This really cute town is not home to much but is famious for good fish and chips and we also found a "one pound store". Leandra and Rob loved their fish and chips. I decided to spring for cheese on my chips, I can hardly describe what they gave me and how strange it was to anyone who was not there. The chips simply had a handful of shredded cheddar put on top, not melted.
The tour was good and a great day. Though good planning would have been a better substitute, as Ulsterbus is rather expensive and for the long ride the bus and it's patrons did not smell great.
Once the visitor center was open, I got more information on the island. It is interesting that it is the home of the story "The Children of Lir". Lir was a Irish chieftain whose wife died after giving him a daughter and three sons. Lir married his wife's half sister who was jealous of her husband's love for his children and turned them into four swans. They were destined to spend nine-hundred years this way, but at the coming of Christianity the spell was broken. I had heard variations of this story when very very young, could not believe I was actually there.
After we left the Island --on the ferry that felt like it would tip over before it made it to shore-- we got a short while in Ballycastle. This really cute town is not home to much but is famious for good fish and chips and we also found a "one pound store". Leandra and Rob loved their fish and chips. I decided to spring for cheese on my chips, I can hardly describe what they gave me and how strange it was to anyone who was not there. The chips simply had a handful of shredded cheddar put on top, not melted.
The tour was good and a great day. Though good planning would have been a better substitute, as Ulsterbus is rather expensive and for the long ride the bus and it's patrons did not smell great.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Belfast Center
Our weekend plans to go to Dublin did not work out. It is just as well, since it will be there next weekend and I wanted to go around Belfast more.
In the news I found that Sinn Fein, which was expecting to at least double their seats actually lost seats. Fianna Fail did very well. I still have not been able to find if Joanne, who I was canvassing for was elected. With this loss, it might be better we did not stay over at their event.
In Belfast City Hall there is a festival this weekend. There are booths from all different countries. The food is amazing. And as a cultural observation, it seemed to bring out a more diverse crowd; I hear many people speaking with foreign accents.
Friday, May 25, 2007
(London)Derry
We visited Derry, as it is called by Catholics, or Londonderry to Protestants. Visited the site of a former army barracs that will be transformed to something usefull and got a tour from the Bloody Sunday museum.The city is known for being home of much of the freedom movements that happened in the 60's. There were regular protests. The Catholics in Derry formed Free Derry--the entirely self sustaining Catholic section of the city were the army and police were not allowed within.
The height if this conflict was Bloody Sunday. Where the army resistance against the people of Free Derry reached a new level of violence. According to our guide there was a different patrol that evening that did not know that the rioting should end at supper time, because everyone feared their mothers as much as the British. Details of the event:
http://www.larkspirit.com/bloodysunday/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Sunday
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Dublin Elections
Today I went to Dublin with Conor, Rob and Terry to help with the election. We met up with other Sinn Fein members in a house that was set up to be the base of operations in the district. After tea and some planning, Rob and I took to handing out leaflets to people at the shopping center across the street.
Handing out the leaflets was interesting. People actually wanted what we were hanging out. The only ones who didn't take the leaflets say they had already voted, with a smile. Although some said they already voted with less of a smile, so I would be less sure they voted for Sinn Fein. Some people just ignored us or didn't want it, but it was a rarity. I picked up only 2 or 3 from the ground that were dropped on the street walking back and forth for over an hour.
After working a while, Connor dropped us of in the center to have a look around and look for a hostel to stay Saturday night. All are full! There is a church converted to an tourism info center and the only hostels or hotels available were too far and expensive or not very nice. Overhearing this problem, some Sinn Fein people offered to arrange for us to stay with them while they are making room for people anyway for another event. In the center we visited Trinity College, the Post Office that Irish took a hold of at the Easter Rising, and the Littlest Pub in Dublin. The Littlest Pub was smaller than my bedroom in NJ. It had a counterpart in Boston that sent customers back and forth with no business relation that recently closed. Talking to the bar tender there, as well as the hostel agent at the Tourist Info building it seems the area we were in was not a very good one. When Rob read the name of the bus stop of the paper in his pocket we would get faces and referent to anyone canvassing there are a "Brave Man". Though, being from North Belfast, it probably doesn’t seem too bad.
We took a bus back from the center around 6, when the canvassing really kicks up as people are getting back from work. Rob and I went in a van with four Sinn Fein members knocking on "Green" houses asking if they had voted, who for, if they needed a ride, etc. Stan, the leader of this group took all this information down and it was recorded at the house. There were sheets on the walls and every "Green" voter was listed and all who were believed to have voted were highlighted. Most were highlighted by the end of the night.
It would be very easy to get caught up in the spirit of Sinn Fein, and many people do. Volunteers flood their events, in fact 50 Northern Islanders came today to help with the election. Conor said one of the things he likes so much is the crazy people you get in Sinn Fein. That after the disarming of the IRA, the leaders encouraged those who were not already involved to join Sinn Fein.
Learning about Irish politics was very interesting. We were encouraging people to vote (or Vótáil) for Joanne Spain 1. That is on the ballot, mark her number 1 choice. All candidates are ranked in preference. So if a voter's top choice does not get enough votes to get in, their second choice is then counted. This process takes days to count and determine election winners as ballots need to be counted multiple times. The interesting result of this system is that every vote counts. People do not feel they are throwing away their vote if they give their #1 to an it dependant or candidate in a smaller party. As a result Ireland does not have the two party dominated system the US has, there 8 parties running candidates in Dublin Mid West district alone. People seemed to really believe in politics and be much less cynic than in the US were with only two choices, voters often choose the lesser evil. While walking door to door many people talked of meeting the Sinn Fein politicians, even I met Joanne twice that day. Being so in touch with voter wants be more feasible because the country is so much smaller. The wants vary less in a country the size of NJ than a country the size of the USA. While walking door to door many people talked of meeting the Sinn Fein politicians, even I met Joanne twice that day.
On the ride home Rob brought up Conor's new counselor position. Interesting things he told us were that at Intercomm people are encouraged to bring their political views with them. They are all from different backgrounds and they work together. Him being a counselor is look as a positive thing, another connection, and his unionist collages only offered their support.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Racism vs. Sectarianism
NICEM and the crime researcher this morning were both on the side how racism is worse than sectarianism. That the number of incidents are almost equal and far out of proportion. This was very startling news to me. While I was aware there was a racism problem in Northern Ireland, I was under the impression that sectarian violence between Nationalist/Catholics and Unionists/Protestants was the biggest problem in Belfast.
Then I think if how those working on the Sectarian problem have acknowledged that the violence has dissipated. However this is because the two communities have been separated from each other by walls and separate facilities. This is not a good way to continue be cause it is more expensive, requiring duplication, and because it is not a healthy society. Raising a child or even living a life without ever leaving a few streets is too isolated to be able to get a healthy view on the world.
Notes: NICEM Lecture
NICEM Visit - Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 1:00 PM
Intro
Started by Chinese support group and then Indian support group, Travelers are the largest minority group
20 employees
Independently funded projects that run until funding runs out
Projects
Interpreting - 200 languages, currently self sustaining, contract w/ police
Police and Lobbying team to ensure all people are consulted
Migrant worker support
Floating support - over NI
Racial Harassment - help and support people who have experienced integration
Immigration support - let people know what need to know here
Questions
Anti racism classes taken by community groups and government
Minority groups
Chinese, Indian, African - have been migrating here for generations
Africa, middle east - Seeking Asylum, only 200, most sent to Scotland due to lank of recourses, refugees can go anywhere
Polish, Portuguese, Slovakian - Migrant workers
Pilipino, Indian - Recruited Nurses
Communities encouraged not to go to police, but to report incidents to local community leaders.
Minorities then do not want to go to police either. Besides may not want to go b/c perceptions from home country.
NI is lacking human recourses. Polish immigrants recruited to keep economy from collapsing,
Great hospitality vs. racism - people like the nationality, but do not want them living next door, marring into family, working above or taking job
"Brutishness" tests online, required to become citizen
EU can work w/o papers, get benefits after a year
Non EU need permit, employer needs to justify why hiring this person over anyone in whole EU, and pay
Notes: Hate Crime in Northern Ireland Lecture
Lecturers:
Neal Jarman, Conflict Research
David Lennox, Community Safety Unit, Northern Ireland Office
Research crime statistics to be used for how police handle situations
Sectarianism
Official cease fire in 1995
Since shifted from extreme, military violence to debating and armed social street violence
Protestant and Catholic is a code, it is not a religious war, it is about nationalism
Originally the reverse ratio in the south if Ireland and unequal treatment of Protestants was an concern, but it has not been an issue.
More people are immigrating
Violence
People grown up in legacy of violence. Where it is what has been used, and been successful
Representative violence used - do not care about the effect on the individual, that person represents a group and the act instills freer on the group
Violence has been legitimized as effective way of doing things
Racism
Highest proportion of incidents in Europe
2006 - 2007 1,600 Sectarian incidents | 1,000 Racism incidents
Many more Protestants and Catholics in NI
Political Agenda
Role of political leaders and parties
Highlights racism more than sectarianism
Sectarianism needs to be higher on agenda
---------------------------------------------------------------
School enrolment is going down, but proportion of non-white are going up
Holy Cross Incident where school girls not allowed to go to school, racist mural
Survey, more people want to live in mixed communities than with own religion
However more feel uncomfortable with neighbor in minority ethnic group
Good Friday Agreement - 1998
Compromise and put 4 parties in power
Northern Ireland Act - Section 75: Needs to ensure every new policy that comes out of government doe not adversely affect any religions, minority, gender, etc. group
Government Initiative
Police
Lack of trust in police
50:50 recruitment now
Independent advisory groups
Fully integrated and revised with training on sectarianism, racism, and violence
PSNI
Domestic violence exceeds sectarian
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Day One at Intercomm
Today I went to Intercomm for the first day of community service. Conor had told Rob and I to arrive between 9:30 and 10, we got there at 9:25 and the only person in the office called Conor who's reaction was "They're there already!" We talked for a while at the reception, then when Conor got there we were given desks and went to the Kitchen for tea and coffee where we talked a while longer. Then we went in to talk to the director, Liam and talked for a long time. Liam insisted Conor buy us lunch. I had the best food I've eaten in Ireland and 2 Guinness. This lunch was maybe two hours. In the afternoon we were taken on a long walking tour of the interface areas of Northern Belfast. We saw how the smallest part of a Catholic house being exposed to the a Protestant street would subject it to being attacked, and surly vice versa. We briefly walked through a gate, to a Protestant street, where the curb stones where painted red white and blue. And the houses meeting the wall were abandoned.
While last time we had just been taken around the New Lodge area, this time we were taken all around North Belfast. We also saw the walls that were from when the city center was closed up at night. At a certain hour the gates were closed and anyone in of out was staying that way for the night.
Some interesting things we saw were memorials to people who had died. One in particular was a garden type memorial with kids playing in it, and names of people killed listed, names of people in the IRA in the middle. From here there was an apartment building in view, interesting b/c most people live in brick houses. The British army had been stationed an top of that apartment building.
There are many walls in North Belfast and the Catholic and Protestant areas change as quickly as you turn a corner. Some of these interfaces have moved, as the Catholic population is growing faster, sometimes the lines can't be moved because no catholic wants to move across a Peace Wall. Because of the over population on one side, there is a under population on the other side of the walls. Protestant houses are left abandoned near the walls, where stones are thrown back and forth, while 3 generations will live together in a Catholic house. After being bombed in the second world was houses were rebuild on both sides exactly the same, the value on the Catholic side of these houses is twice as high because there is such greater demand.
At the end were back at the center. Making me more aware of how close North Belfast, which still is putting up Peace Walls, is to the Center, where I am everyday. Taking a bus the two seemed more disconnected.
Monday, May 21, 2007
A wall in the park
Yesterday we climbed the mountain in the background of the city. Today we visited Intercomm where I will be starting my community service tomorrow. We were given a lecture and question and answer period that cleared up almost anything that was missing in my understanding of how things worked in Northern Ireland. After Conor took us to the interface areas and the park there.
The park is the only one in Europe with a peace wall through it. The peace wall was put up because there was so much rioting going on in the park between Protestants and Catholics. It runs right in the middle of the park, a road leads up to it and disappears. There is rather impressing spray painted art on the wall.
In the interface area there is Catholic and Protestant streets all very close. The The catholic street we went down leaving the park had a row of houses on one side and a peace wall on the other. The windows had wire mesh over them, to protect them from stones thrown over the wall. Some houses were even abandoned, very unusual for Catholic areas. 70% of people on the list who are in dire need for housing are Catholic. There are Protestant houses which are empty and Catholics houses with three families in them.
It was such a problem of drivers going down one Catholic street and shooting someone and just going on their way, one side of the street needed to be blocked off. Conor grew up in the area and told us of having to move out one family at night because their house had been broken into from several windows and doors and raided and the family beaten up.
Racism is replacing sectarianism. An Indian grocer down this street was killed my Protestants who knew nothing about who he was of how he lived. He was very neutral toward Catholics and Protestants.
Mike talked to a woman on the street as we returned through the park. She asked what he thought of the Peace Wall, and when Mike asked what she thought she said she didn't think about them. I suppose if it seems normal people don't think about things; and the Peace Walls have been up for enough years to be "normal" in North Belfast.
The park is the only one in Europe with a peace wall through it. The peace wall was put up because there was so much rioting going on in the park between Protestants and Catholics. It runs right in the middle of the park, a road leads up to it and disappears. There is rather impressing spray painted art on the wall.
In the interface area there is Catholic and Protestant streets all very close. The The catholic street we went down leaving the park had a row of houses on one side and a peace wall on the other. The windows had wire mesh over them, to protect them from stones thrown over the wall. Some houses were even abandoned, very unusual for Catholic areas. 70% of people on the list who are in dire need for housing are Catholic. There are Protestant houses which are empty and Catholics houses with three families in them.
It was such a problem of drivers going down one Catholic street and shooting someone and just going on their way, one side of the street needed to be blocked off. Conor grew up in the area and told us of having to move out one family at night because their house had been broken into from several windows and doors and raided and the family beaten up.
Racism is replacing sectarianism. An Indian grocer down this street was killed my Protestants who knew nothing about who he was of how he lived. He was very neutral toward Catholics and Protestants.
Mike talked to a woman on the street as we returned through the park. She asked what he thought of the Peace Wall, and when Mike asked what she thought she said she didn't think about them. I suppose if it seems normal people don't think about things; and the Peace Walls have been up for enough years to be "normal" in North Belfast.
Notes: Intercomm Reconciliation Lecture
Politics of the Conflict and Reconciliation
Monday, May 21, 2007 at Noon
Conor and Liam Maskey - Intercomm: http://www.intercommbelfast.com/
Sid trotter and Cathrin - Link: Community group related to Intercomm working with Protestant / Catholic / Loyalist relations.
North Belfast Background
7 or top 10 wards (districts) in deprivation
1/4 of deaths happen in 1 square mile of here
Address social and economic problems which developed along the "peace lines" of N Belfast during the previous 30 years of community conflict by delivering economic regeneration, reconciliation, and social reconstruction
Intercomm Programs
Peace building programme - provide education programs for social advancement
N Belfast developing leadership initiative - Encourage people to engage in decision making that effects everyday life
Conflict intervention programme - people go to interface and try to stop problems if there is conflict
Rebuilding civic society initiative (RCSI) - Finding jobs
Community development (worktrack new deal) - place in after school programs and work
Home aid for vulnerable and elderly (HAVE) - Elderly very trusting and people took advantage of. Given package to help feel safe
Internships
Woman enterprise and vocational education (WEAVE) - business and craft training to manage micro enterprise
Intercomm Enterprises Inc - Non profit, forms physical barrier and rebuilds abandoned homes. Abandoned homes are popular place for rioting
Intercomm Enterprises Inc - raises awareness and funds for Belfast
Belfast-Jerusalem Civil Society Partnership (B-JCSP) - looks at other examples of conflict resolution
Questions
Funded by grants mostly, want to start generating money to self sustain. Can rent out this room for video conferencing.
Looking at other examples of conflict resolution in the world.
Intercomm founders Liam and Billy (murdered 6 years ago) faced death threats and alienation from their own communities
Unemployment - www.nirsa.gov.uk or http://www.nuim.ie/nirsa/
Weapons more of a government bartering point than real issue. It's about people and mindsets. Can decommission guns, but still will know how to make a bomb from grocery store materials, more important to decommission mindsets. Guns kept at dumps, for pickup, not in homes.
1/5 expected in 2020 to be immigrants in N Ireland
Currently Non Irish go to Catholic / Protestant schools and practice own religion. They are still pressured to choose a side, i.e. "Are you a Catholic Jew or a Protestant Jew?"
John Paul Lederach - Canadian author
Working class has more to gain by working together. "Not in a Social Revolution sense, though if that happened better for it" -- Interesting Socialist view.
After Lecture
Visit interface area and meet with local activists
See park, only one in Europe w/ a Peace Wall through it
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Queen's University Tour
Today we took a tour of Queen's University. The grounds are old and full of history. We were told about the different tuition and acceptance systems here. I knew most of that from European friends I made last summer. Our guide also told us about how the university changed from growing from (about) 900 to 20,000 students. I thought it was interesting how buildings where taken down and reconstructed so causally. In fact a building may be taken down because it is not aesthetically pleasing. In a parking lot there used to be temporary buildings for nurses that were put up and removed. Everything is brick, which to me is a an expensive building material to put up and knock down.
After the tour we went to the Parlor, a pub with buy one get one free meals. We ate and watched Chelsea win the FA Cup from Manchester United. FA Cup: http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/
It was a long game of two 45 minute halves and 30 minutes extra time. I enjoy soccer, having learned the game last summer in Italy to watch the world cup. However I had trouble having a good time at this game because I was so cold. It was absolutely freezing in this pub, we all had our sweatshirts and more on and it was still too cold. It seemed warmer when we got outside. However the Irish in the pub were waring short sleeves. Similar to how some of the Irish walk in the rain with out notice, I suppose they have adapted.
Most of the crowd seemed to be supporting Manchester United. However there was still a significant cheer when Chelsea finally scored, ensuring a win. There was even a group with both obvious Chelsea and obvious Manchester U supporters. I guess this rivalry is not a political one in Belfast, or people are really not as hostile because there was no hostility.
Friday, May 18, 2007
"30 years in the RUC"
At the Globe I met a man while getting my sweater who had "30 years in the RUC". As a former member of the RUC [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Ulster_Constabulary] I asked him about his opinion about the conflict in its current state. I did not get very much information because he was more of a drunken old man than political scholar. I was also not being very direct, as I could not remember what RUC was exactly. Additionally I had already gotten his son upset by saying "People from all over the world came to the United States and decided to speak English the way I speak it". Though their Australian relative (who was much easier to understand) appreciated that comment.
This man, from the RUC, believed the troubles were really ending. To me it seems like there is little conflict here. However I am an outsider and have spent no time in the interface areas. I would also imagine that it would seem peaceful until something happened. To hear an old Irishman, who has had significant involvement in the conflict, say he believes it is over really makes me believe that we will not see violence while here.
Notes: Good Relations Lecture
Good relations was started in as result of people polling that government's first priority should be to built good relations between Protestants and Catholics.
1500 deaths, most since 1969
2004 - ethnic groups make up < 2%
In one year 8-9k people came to Belfast
Problems with division:
- Poverty linked to violence
- Duplication of services
- Low trust and risk
- High demand for Catholic housing
Belfast City Council - 51 members, 6 political groups
The assembly is the upper house and council the lower house
Northern Ireland Act, 1998, Sec 75 Good Relations
Transforming Public Space
Securing Shared Space
Building shared organization Space
City Hall
Today we went to City Hall where were shown great hospitality. The next mayor herself greeted us and gave us gifts, various counselors came in to talk to us, I met Conner who Rob and I will be working with at Intercomm, we were given a nice tour, and more information from Good Relations. After City Hall we went to a the Linen Hall Library and saw the Northern Ireland Political Collection. Web site that might only work in IE:
http://www.linenhall.com/northernIrelandPoliticalCollection.asp
In the afternoon we went to the Crown Bar [http://www.crownbar.com/] which is famous and was awesome. There we noticed a "Stag" or bachelor's party where a large group of guys where all wearing matching shirts, the kind of thing only girls would do in the US. I asked a guy close to the door of our enclosed booth about it and got into a conversation a bit longer than I wanted. They were Kennedy's and I spoke to the father and best man/older brother who was 34 and lived on the mainland now. The father travels to the US a lot, he also frequents the Crown, apparently they used to have a live web cam.
At night we went to the Globe for drinking and dancing. Here we were able to make more cultural observances. We got a late start because it is so light out always we lose track of time. We are so far north, and it is summer, it is daylight until 10 PM and the sun rises well before any of us. The locals at this bar were well dressed; in general everyone on the street is put together to look good. Molly said the guys were "very metro". I would agree, as anyone in the US with similar clothing or a fohawk would be considered "metro". On the other hand, I think we can just consider them "European". Last summer in Italy I saw a wide mix in male fashion. Italian men are definitely not afraid to embrace trendy fashion. Irish seem to lie in the middle of the Italian and US extremes.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Notes: Introduction to Belfast
Introduction to Belfast Lecture at Queen's University, Irish Studies
Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 1:30 PM
Speaker: Dominic Bryant
Speaker background:
Anthropologist, English, lived in Northern Ireland for 20years. Interest in Public celebration and public space.
Believes this is not the same conflict that has been going on for 400 years, unlike many books. Protestants moved to Ireland 400 years ago, but the conflict has changed since.
Introduction to Belfast: Division. Conflict.
Politics
Conflict around identity. Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada all have similar identity situations that do not result in violence.
Northern Ireland is interesting because two sides are very close and friendly to each other.
Geography
South - Middle class
West - Working, 90% Catholic
East - 90% Protestant
North - Patchwork
All cities have cultural geographical divisions. Particular to Belfast..
Good harbor and good dock
In 1820 the size of Nury (sp?) now
Initially Presbyterian city (Scottish)
At turn of century, rebellious, later became the center unionist ideas
This change came from Industrial Revolution. After had more in common with British port cities than Irish.
Become Unionists for economic reasons, want to keep connections.
After potato famine South Irish moved to industrial cities, London, NY, Belfast
In Belfast discriminations are started as protestants in the city did not want incoming cheep labor threatening their jobs.
During economic downtimes tensions increase
Ulster Volunteer Force set up to ensure Ulster remained part of Britain
Rioting cause more segregation
Belfast becomes capital of Northern Ireland, its own state
History note, Seattle put Belfast out of business by building planes that took away from Cruise Liner business
Discrimination
- Gerrymandering
- Housing
- Jobs - Fathers give sons apprenticeships to sons to maintains elite position in work force
1960's start seeing an educated Catholic middle class
1966 - 50 years of conflict, lots of rioting
Civil Rights movement did not happen in Belfast, happened in Derry
Ethnic cleansing, house burning
IRA and UVF not strong at this time
British Parliament introduced holding w/o trial
Bloody Friday - IRA planted bombs, Unionists believe Gerry Adams [http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22Gerry+Adams%22&btnG=Search] planned
Did not escalate to points of other countries b/c cultures were already very divided, different schools, no intermarriage, etc.
Start building walls, many put up since peace process started
Conflicts have gone down
Policing by Boundaries
Physical housing division, policy
RUC reformed to PSNI, better police
Policy changes, build everything twice
Two "communities", that are basically the same, not two different cultures
Gate keepers
Other policing - IRA police in Catholic areas, UVF similar to IRA, UDA (Ulster Defense Assoc) to protect Protestant areas (clenched red fist)
UVF and UDA also fight over territory
Self Policing - school uniforms tell what type of school go to, might walk to another bus stop with less protestant kids or take a cab that avoids crossing boundaries
Change
Process of demilitarizing and painting over paramilitary murals
Early Observations
What's different in Ireland
After being here a few days I have more observations about Belfast and Irish people. Our first day everyone immediately noticed the school uniforms on high school aged kids walking around. In most of Europe high school is called college, and university or other education comes after college. We first noticed the hiked up skirts, but Rose pointed out that the same was done at her Catholic school, and I recall those I knew at private school doing the same. We saw a group of boys by the Student Union in black blazers with white stripes, black shorts, and gray socks; pretty sharp looking uniforms. It was pointed out at the lecture Thursday that the uniforms are social control, not only do they tell what school the student goes to, but everyone knows all the uniforms and which are Protestant or Catholic. Friday at City Hall the Good Relations representative told us that the city is hoping to build integrated schools.
On our second night here a few of us on this trip were in the student building where we ate breakfast everyday. We were talking about the different things we had noticed; obvious at the time would be that the university building becomes a bar at night. Mike also noted that he did not know how to pass people when walking. Since traffic goes to the left, does that apply to walking too? Althea pointed out how many more children there are here than in Boston. Walking back from the supermarket we passed a mother trying to keep track of at least five children.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Arriving in New York, Boston, Dublin, and Belfast
Leaving my home 6 AM EST on Tuesday, May 15 it took over 24 hours of travel time where I passed though the cities of New York, Boston, Shannon, Dublin, to finally reach Belfast.
In the Dublin airport I stopped in the Vodafone while some students exchanged their tickets. There I found out how easily and cheep it would be to get a sim card to use my cell from last summer that I bought in Italy. I could not do so there however because Northern Ireland uses UK sim cards, and Ireland has their own. I was also shown how to use a pen to get the charger I had from Italy into the Ireland/UK power plugs.
At passport checks the first person to go through in our group was asked where he was staying, because he responded studying in Belfast the agent said to all of us that Northern Ireland is a different country and he can not give us permission to study there. We were given one day travel, and are not here illegally I suppose. Others were given until the 13th of June and still others where given the standard 90 days that any US citizen would get in the EU. Enforcement of visa policy seems very nonstandard.
One the drive from Dublin to Belfast I noticed the road signs where unreadable and presumably in Gaelic. Also notable was how unnerving being a passenger in a vehicle driving on the left hand side of the road, the abnormal number of KFCs, and the lovely green country side.
In the Dublin airport I stopped in the Vodafone while some students exchanged their tickets. There I found out how easily and cheep it would be to get a sim card to use my cell from last summer that I bought in Italy. I could not do so there however because Northern Ireland uses UK sim cards, and Ireland has their own. I was also shown how to use a pen to get the charger I had from Italy into the Ireland/UK power plugs.
At passport checks the first person to go through in our group was asked where he was staying, because he responded studying in Belfast the agent said to all of us that Northern Ireland is a different country and he can not give us permission to study there. We were given one day travel, and are not here illegally I suppose. Others were given until the 13th of June and still others where given the standard 90 days that any US citizen would get in the EU. Enforcement of visa policy seems very nonstandard.
One the drive from Dublin to Belfast I noticed the road signs where unreadable and presumably in Gaelic. Also notable was how unnerving being a passenger in a vehicle driving on the left hand side of the road, the abnormal number of KFCs, and the lovely green country side.
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