Building the Peace Dividend in Northern Ireland: People's Perceptions of Self and Country

Civil Society Leaders’ Perceptions of Hopes and Fears for the Future

“…First, local NGOs have provided opportunities for Unionists and Nationalists to reach across the bicommunal divide in Northern Ireland and engage each other through the use of superordinate goals in order to build a tolerant pluralistic society (Byrne et al 2009). Thus, intercommunal dialogue is an ongoing process to keep grassroots people fully engaged in the peace process to normalize politics, and to prevent a return to a sectarian past.…”

“…Fourth, the external economic aid has funded NGOs whereby employees have developed a whole new set of capacity and entrepreneurial skills that have empowered local communities (Byrne et al 2009). Yet at the same time, the global economic downturn and the resulting brain drain and escalation in young people’s suicide rates has severely hamstruck local communities in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.…”

“…In conclusion, our respondents provide a clear picture of a forward-looking vision that is necessary to bring about long-term social and political change in Northern Ireland. This study also gives voice to people who might not otherwise be heard within the formal political settlement discourse (Byrne et al 2009). Empowering the disempowered by listening to their hopes and dreams for the future is crucial as “peace cultures thrive on and are nourished by a vision of how things might be” (Boulding 1988:29).…”

“…16 West Belfast MP and leader of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams termed it as a crisis and one parent out of desperation commented, “why is there so much money being spent on road safety when more youngsters are killed by suicide than on the roads?” 17 This phenomenon reflects a continuity of young people’s frustration that is corroborated by many factors ranging from economic deprivation, loss of hope, confusion over identity, and their relative exposure to dissident propaganda while much needed societal support to provide them with jobs and nurturance is fast diminishing. Nothing has changed much as the dissident paramilitaries continue to polarize and alienate both communities, and in particular the Protestant community (Byrne et al 2009). Thus, efforts to provide a stable and healthy environment for young people in Northern Ireland is a daunting task.…”

“…The two main funding bodies provide economic assistance to Northern Ireland and the Border Counties to support the peacebuilding activities of NGOs are the IFI and the EU Peace (I, II, and III) funds (Byrne et al 2009). Both funding agencies decided to work with grassroots NGOs to implement peacebuilding projects.…”