THERE CAN BE NO GOING BACK
There can be no going back
DURING a day which conjured up so many images, and so many emotions, President Clinton sent an unmistakable message to the people of Northern Ireland. Sounding at times like a political evangelist, the President implored this community not to let go of the present opportunity for peace. Another similar chance will not come in our lifetimes.
As was evident even before he arrived, the President's visit has given the peace process a fresh impetus. His presence has helped break the ice, yet there is still a long way to go. There is a danger that the mood of optimism which the Presidential visit has re-kindled will tempt politicians on both sides to go too far ahead of their parties. Both David Trimble and Gerry Adams need to be reassured that the bold steps they are taking on behalf of this entire community have the endorsement of a majority of their respective party faithful.
Those at the forefront of the peace process are being urged along by President and Prime Minister, but to push the pace too fast could be counter-productive for the peace process. Both sections of the community in Northern Ireland need time and space to heal their wounds and to absorb the various political developments. Deadlines have been set, but hearts and minds must be won.
Mr Trimble faces an important test at tomorrow's meeting of the Ulster Unionist executive. In a fast changing scenario, the horror of Omagh has been followed by a more conciliatory approach by Sinn Fein, which Unionists" must not spurn. The declaration from Mr Adams that violence is a thing of the past did not say exactly that the war is over, but it was certainly intended to convey that sentiment. Similarly, the belated appointment of Martin McGuinness to liaise with the decommissioning body was an important signal, although it remains to be seen what will be achieved.
President Clinton has stood among the wreckage of Omagh where he was right to pay personal homage to the victims of violence. He also delivered a message of hope and peace for this commmunity that, in the aftermath of that terrible tragedy, no one can ignore. There can be no stepping back from the Good Friday agreement but what remains at issue is the pace of change.
Partly because of Omagh, and also because of his own personal difficulties, yesterday's Presidential tour lacked the razzmatazz which was such a feature of his previous visit in 1995. The crowds were smaller and more reserved, and even the turnout at the showpiece event in Armagh failed to live up to expectations.
What is clear is that the United States has committed itself in a big way to Northern Ireland. As the Prime Minister observed, no president in history has done more for this province than Bill Clinton. He has given unionism and nationalism equal access, and today David Trimble is as welcome at the White House as John Hume.
One of the most encouraging images of yesterday was the spirit of concord and warmth between Mr Trimble and Seamus Mallon. They made an impressive double act and both First Minister and his deputy seemed to grow in confidence as the visit progressed. The First Minister presented a new, positive image of unionism, and his call for a pluralist parliament for a pluralist people showed he is prepared to throw off the shackles of the past.
Mr Trimble's welcome for those crossing the bridge from terror to democracy was particularly striking, and many will have been reassured by the emphasis laid by the President on the need for decommissioning. The vast majority of people must have echoed Mr Trimble's call for our only weapons to be words.
The reality is that there is no alternative. There can be no going back, as both President and Prime Minister have made clear. Change is happening all around us, and the only question is over the pace at which the process can move forward.
Yesterday's visit re-focused attention on the opportunity which has been created in Northern Ireland to develop a lasting peace and a new society. At the same time, Mr Clinton and Mr Blair left the people of this province in no doubt as to the challenges which lie ahead. It will take courage and confidence if the new day of which everyone dreams is really to dawn.
President Clinton helped sow the seeds and yesterday he watered the seedlings. Does Northern Ireland now have the courage to reap the harvest of peace and reconciliation?
DURING a day which conjured up so many images, and so many emotions, President Clinton sent an unmistakable message to the people of Northern Ireland. Sounding at times like a political evangelist, the President implored this community not to let go of the present opportunity for peace. Another similar chance will not come in our lifetimes.
As was evident even before he arrived, the President's visit has given the peace process a fresh impetus. His presence has helped break the ice, yet there is still a long way to go. There is a danger that the mood of optimism which the Presidential visit has re-kindled will tempt politicians on both sides to go too far ahead of their parties. Both David Trimble and Gerry Adams need to be reassured that the bold steps they are taking on behalf of this entire community have the endorsement of a majority of their respective party faithful.
Those at the forefront of the peace process are being urged along by President and Prime Minister, but to push the pace too fast could be counter-productive for the peace process. Both sections of the community in Northern Ireland need time and space to heal their wounds and to absorb the various political developments. Deadlines have been set, but hearts and minds must be won.
Mr Trimble faces an important test at tomorrow's meeting of the Ulster Unionist executive. In a fast changing scenario, the horror of Omagh has been followed by a more conciliatory approach by Sinn Fein, which Unionists" must not spurn. The declaration from Mr Adams that violence is a thing of the past did not say exactly that the war is over, but it was certainly intended to convey that sentiment. Similarly, the belated appointment of Martin McGuinness to liaise with the decommissioning body was an important signal, although it remains to be seen what will be achieved.
President Clinton has stood among the wreckage of Omagh where he was right to pay personal homage to the victims of violence. He also delivered a message of hope and peace for this commmunity that, in the aftermath of that terrible tragedy, no one can ignore. There can be no stepping back from the Good Friday agreement but what remains at issue is the pace of change.
Partly because of Omagh, and also because of his own personal difficulties, yesterday's Presidential tour lacked the razzmatazz which was such a feature of his previous visit in 1995. The crowds were smaller and more reserved, and even the turnout at the showpiece event in Armagh failed to live up to expectations.
What is clear is that the United States has committed itself in a big way to Northern Ireland. As the Prime Minister observed, no president in history has done more for this province than Bill Clinton. He has given unionism and nationalism equal access, and today David Trimble is as welcome at the White House as John Hume.
One of the most encouraging images of yesterday was the spirit of concord and warmth between Mr Trimble and Seamus Mallon. They made an impressive double act and both First Minister and his deputy seemed to grow in confidence as the visit progressed. The First Minister presented a new, positive image of unionism, and his call for a pluralist parliament for a pluralist people showed he is prepared to throw off the shackles of the past.
Mr Trimble's welcome for those crossing the bridge from terror to democracy was particularly striking, and many will have been reassured by the emphasis laid by the President on the need for decommissioning. The vast majority of people must have echoed Mr Trimble's call for our only weapons to be words.
The reality is that there is no alternative. There can be no going back, as both President and Prime Minister have made clear. Change is happening all around us, and the only question is over the pace at which the process can move forward.
Yesterday's visit re-focused attention on the opportunity which has been created in Northern Ireland to develop a lasting peace and a new society. At the same time, Mr Clinton and Mr Blair left the people of this province in no doubt as to the challenges which lie ahead. It will take courage and confidence if the new day of which everyone dreams is really to dawn.
President Clinton helped sow the seeds and yesterday he watered the seedlings. Does Northern Ireland now have the courage to reap the harvest of peace and reconciliation?
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0381
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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