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Article published in the Irish News, 16th October 2004, p. 33.

The very slow haul to peace

A huge gap exists between politicians and communities they serve, the author of a new book has warned.

Peace Comes Dropping Slow by Brian Lennon is the result of six years of dialogue between a number of groups across Northern Ireland.

It reflects on the role of the British and Irish governments in the peace process, how much a military stalemate between paramilitaries and the British army was a factor and the role of paramilitary leaders.

Mr Lennon is a senior programme advisor with Community Dialogue in west Belfast. He said the group came together a few months before the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, aiming to encourage understanding between loyalists, republicans, unionists and nationalists.

During a series of meetings, Catholics and Protestants talked about fears and frustrations linked to a wide range of issues, including decommissioning, policing, justice and early release of prisoners.

Mr Lennon said the book looked at steps taken to achieve peace, such as ambiguous language used by the governments in political talks over issues like decommissioning.

“It has been very useful and has allowed the peace process to survive in the past,” he said.

“But it’s now become a counter-productive measure in 2004.”

The issue of dealing with the past is also examined. Mr Lennon said he believes it is an important issue.

“We can’t wave a magic wand over the past,” he said.

He warns that despite speculation of a fresh deal between the DUP and Sinn Fein, distance remains between political parties and people on the ground.

“There’s a huge gap between communities and political parties and people are now starting to question their relevance. We need to conduct serious dialogue between them so we can bridge this gap,” he said.

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