• privacy policy
• accessibility
• sitemap

UCD Clinton Institute for American Studies

'Northern Ireland, the Peace Process, and the President's Global Agenda'

On Monday 12 September 2005, the United States envoy for Northern Ireland Ambassador Mitchell Reiss addressed the UCD Clinton Institute for American Studies. The talk entitled "Northern Ireland, the Peace Process, and the President's Global Agenda" attracted an eclectic audience of academics, journalist, diplomats and former politicians. The event was opened with introductory remarks from the Clinton Institute Director, Professor Liam Kennedy.

The timely and topical address provided an opportunity to assess and reflect on the recent violence witnessed in Belfast over the weekend. The rioting, which was prompted by Orange Order objections to the rerouting of its Whiterock parade away from a nationalist area near the Springfield Road, was clearly a disappointing setback on the path towards peace and reconciliation.

Dr. Reiss was resolute in his belief that the current Unionist leadership had failed to rise to the challenge of providing robust and steadfast political guidance in these difficult times. Ambassador Reiss called it "an abdication of leadership" and urged those in the Unionist leadership to condemn the violence. Ambassador Reiss argued that there is a larger 'crisis of confidence' within Northern Ireland and much of the violence stems from a feeling of despair among the wider community - a perception that "yesterday is better than tomorrow".

Acknowledging the over-arching 'crisis of confidence' problem in Northern Ireland is not to provide an excuse for the recent violence, but rather to enable an examination of some of the wider community based issues. According to Ambassador Reiss, we must ask ourselves how can we develop a strategy to engage unionism more fully? Moreover, we must find ways of engaging all the citizens of Northern Ireland by offering them a brighter and safer future.

The IRA statement of 28 July 2005 is an indication of the positive progress we have made within Northern Ireland, but more needs to be done. The IRA must now begin the process of decommissioning. While not providing any specific information, Dr. Reiss does believe that this process will happen soon. Ambassador Reiss stressed the need for this process to provide a 'sense of confidence' within the Unionist community. Furthermore, decommissioning should not be viewed as an end in itself, although, it can be seen as a major milestone towards a lasting peace. While emphasising the importance of the decommissioning process, Ambassador Reiss was clear in his understanding that many difficulties outside of decommissioning remain to be solved. Sinn Fein must join policing in Northern Ireland. This issue remains a crucial element on the road towards peace. Sinn Fein must join policing for the PSNI to be viewed as fully legitimate in the wider community.

Afer his presentation Ambassador Reiss gave comprehensive responses to questions from the audience and highlighted the deep commitment of US President George W. Bush to working towards a lasting solution in Northern Ireland.

Proceedings: Frank Groome

Some pictures from the evening.

Pictured at the talk were left to right: - Professor Mike Cronin, Academic Director of Boston College: Dublin, Ambassador Reiss and Professor Liam Kennedy, Director CIAS

Ambassador Reiss talkin to Austin Curry MA students attending the talk L to R: Barry Shanahan, Christina Carey, Alexandro Guardamagna and Frank Dowling