Committee Members
- Wes Holmes, Belfast
- Noeleen Diver, Stranocum, Co. Antrim
- Marshall Boyd, Belfast
- Peter Emerson, Belfast
- Seán Treanor, Newry
The above committee was elected by preferendum at the last AGM, held in Belfast on 5th.June 2010.
About us
Our aim is the attainment of a new Ireland through negotiation; we wish to help create, through dialogue and persuasion, a just, caring, non- sectarian and multi-cultural society. This will require legislation so as to establish the framework for a pluralist society that embraces the whole of Ireland, in light of the U.N. Declaration on Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the provision for Human Rights in Ireland, manifested in the Good Friday Agreement; this legislation must place particular emphasis on acceptable safeguards for minorities. We wish to see the achievement, through consensus, of equitable, progressive and participatory forms of government at all levels and we would wish to recognise and promote the right of free expression of all cultures and traditions within Ireland and also to actively encourage interaction between them.
The Group wishes to provide support for those who seek political and social reconciliation in Ireland and to challenge all opinions and practices that promote sectarian, ethnic or class domination in any part of the island; we are particularly keen to encourage the radical dissenting traditions in Irish Christian culture as well as encouraging radical social engagement among people of all religions or of none.
The Group aims to promote local community politics, to encourage de-centralisation and assist Irish citizens to be directly involved in effective decision-making, where they live and work. We feel that radical steps still need to be taken with regard to poverty and we wish to challenge unfettered capitalism and social injustice both here and overseas. Ireland must also make an intelligent, ethical response to the current scientific and technological revolutions. we must also promote new kinds of respect for both our rural and urban environments.
The New Ireland Group wishes to promote the development of a democracy that is truly based on consensus as the alternative to majoritarianism; we need to develop fresh means whereby consensus can be achieved.
History
The New Ireland Group was probably first evisaged back in 1972, during the darkest period of The Troubles. A small group of people, including Mr. John Robb - then a surgeon at The Royal Victoria Hopital - met in the Lombard Café in Belfast. They discussed the proposition that a new vision of Ireland might be promoted which would radically differ from the narrowly Catholic and Gaelic vision, then on offer as an alternative to Unionism.
The New Ireland Group was officially formed during another dark period, that of the Hunger strikes, in the early 1980’s. Previous to this a more loosely organised New Ireland Movement had been in existence. Through its existence the group has endeavoured to maintain a fresh and interesting vision of how Ireland might be renewed. Numerous pamphlets and booklets have been produced and the goup has been responsible for two journals, The Dissenter (which was published in the 1980’s) and The New Irelander (operating today). There have also been several submissions to tribunals and commissions, including an especially detailed submission to the New Ireland Forum.
Among the more interesting and memorable ‘events’ which the group hosted was the Festival at the ancient Armagh royal site of Emain Macha, in 1987. There was a wide range of symbolic and reconciliatory ritual at this remarkable gathering. The joint participating of lambeg drummers and Irish pipers was a fitting representation of the New Ireland vision of a harmony of Irish cultures as well of their music.
During the period, 1982 to 1989, the group had a representative in the Irish Senate in the form of John Robb. His voice was heard on numerous occasions. The New Ireland vision was transmitted at a time when much was stirring politically, behind the scenes, in Irish politics, that would lay the basis for the current peace process. Indeed it would be true to say that the Good Friday Agreement’s emphasis on the jointly maintained and non-threatening nature of any future settlement on the island, is a kind of fulfilment of the vision that first stirred those the hearts of those who first met in The Lombard Café.
However the task of building on the progress that we have seen since 1972, and preventing a relapse into polarisation and political myopia, is one that presents plenty of vast challenges in the first few years of the millenium that lies ahead.
