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| Mary Robinson |
With so much attention being given to conflict as I write this, let's take a moment, dear reader, to remember the end of a conflict.
I'm talking about the end of hostilities in Northern Ireland, formalized by the Good Friday agreement (Comhaontú Bhéal Feirste) on 10 April 1998.
With the death, announced today, of Ian Paisley, his journey and contribution should be remembered.
I say "journey" because Paisley fundamentally altered his position as time went on.
Tony Blair and Bill Clinton also played their part as did Queen Elizabeth. Her visit to the Irish Republic in 2011 was a major contribution to the healing process, although controversial at the time.
Mary Robinson then President of the Republic of Ireland, began the first official state visit to Britain by an Irish head of state in June 1996. This was also of enormous significance, coming as it did two years before the Good Friday settlement.
In fact, Robinson's contribution, quiet, courageous and mostly behind the scenes, was critical.
It's great shame that there are not more leaders with her commitment to peace in western democracies.
3 comments:
this is worth a look.
http://www.independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/what-is-the-truth-about-ukraine-and-mh17,6912
politix;
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/us-train-veterans-install-solar-panels-part-initiative-reduce-carbon-dioxide-emissions/#.VB1i4PREbFc.twitter
we should be afraid, or are we being set up?
or do we even care.
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/09/28/u-s-officials-invented-terror-group-justify-bombing-syria/
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