Sir, - There is a saying that history repeats itself. However, history rarely repeats itself exactly. Thirty years ago it was obvious that the differences between the Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern Ireland were being aggravated by demands for instant change. That certain changes were needed to the political situation is not disputed. What some of us then thought was that such changes could be brought about by the peaceful evolution of the normal political process. Hence our following the lead of the Corrymeela Community in our call for wider "community relations" activity, and our own foundation of PACE (Protestant and Catholic Encounter Association).
Tragically, for reasons which are now well known, the whole political structure of the government of Northern Ireland fell apart and we entered into 30 years of death and destruction. Even the attempt to restore a form of local community-based government worked out at Sunningdale failed, when exposed to Protestant fury at being (as some saw it) marginalised. The Unionist Party fractured into very divisive sections. Direct rule from London was imposed.
During all this time, however, community relations have managed to remain reasonably good, taking the Province as a whole. Despite terrible atrocities the people have never allowed the situation to escalate into full-scale civil war, as seen in Bosnia or Kosovo. I believe that the Community Relations Commission of former days, and the Community Relations Council of today have heeded the work of Corrymeela and PACE and a multitude of similar organisations which have emerged these past 30 years (such as Women Together, Integrated Schools, local Council Community Relations officers). Such groups, often supported financially by the CRC, have done much to help us reach the stage where we now consider the formation of yet another power-sharing local government (this time supported in principle by around 70 per cent of the population).
Sadly, history is repeating itself to a degree, as the Unionist Party yet again fractures, and the ancient tribal animosities are stirred up by those who do not wish to accept a "peace settlement", except on their own terms.
Of course there are many questions to ask and actions to accept or reject. This is the stuff of politics. Will we be strong enough to accept change this time, or will we enter another 30 years of direct rule and violence (the only alternative on offer to this new "agreed" assembly when it is properly formed)? This is the real dilemma. The British, Irish and American governments really must understand that, although certain changes are perhaps required to, say, the RUC if a proper and permanent peace is to be agreed, this must not be pushed through willy-nilly regardless of majority popular opinion. The same can be said of many other contentious issues being considered by various government sponsored bodies as part of the Agreement's progress.
The need to move slowly and carefully and to keep majority opinion "on side" was never more obvious than now. One false step and this whole Agreement and Assembly will fall like a house built on shifting sand. The omens are not good. Somehow we have to build a new community, strong enough to last. The alternative is far too awful to contemplate. May God help us to move slowly, and choose wisely, during these coming months for our children's sake. PACE cried out in the wilderness of bitterness for the need to work together. Is anyone listening out there? - Yours, etc., Rev Desmond Mock,
Marguerite Crescent,
Newcastle,
Co Down.