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Peace Building in a Political Impasse: Cross-Border Links in Ireland
by Dominic Murray and Jim O'Neill Out of Print
Peace Building in a Political Impasse: Cross-Border Links in Ireland by Dominic Murray and Jim O'Neill
Centre for the Study of Conflict
The Centre for the Study of Conflict welcomes the publication of the first comprehensive register of cross-border activities in Ireland and the first consideration of their impact. I wish to record my thanks to the researchers, Dr Dominic Murray and Mr Jim O'Neill, to the funding body, the United States Institute for Peace, to the University of Massachusetts at Boston, especially Dr Padraig OMalley and to Mr Clem McCartney for his work in Boston. Before publishing a research report, the Centre for the Study of Conflict submits it to members of a panel of external referees. It is the Centre's custom to consult at least three panel members. At the time of submitting the report the Editorial Advisory Board comprised:
Professor Halla Beloff, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh
Seamus Dunn Return to publication contents
PEACE BUILDING IN A POLITICAL IMPASSE: In the post-war years, there has been considerable growth of interest in the alternative strategies available to reduce international tensions when the normal diplomacy has failed. Joseph Montville has described such activities as "Track Two Diplomacy". Until recently, the exploration of the concept has concentrated on major international conflicts and wars. It was considered that Ireland provides an ideal opportunity to examine the efficiency of these strategies in a manageable context The duration of the conflict has led to the inevitable evolution of subtle and sometimes effective crosscutting relationships between the parties in conflict. Given the political impasse in Ireland, the purpose of this project is to examine the present extent and further feasibility of such sub-political strategies and to study the social, educational and economic co-operation between the two parts of Ireland which may reduce tensions when normal diplomacy fails. Montville (1982) has defined Track Two Diplomacy as 'unofficial, informal interaction between representatives of adversary groups or nations which aims to develop strategies and create an environment which could contribute to the resolution of their conflict'. He suggests that the potential for such activities lies in the fact that they are less fettered and perhaps less accountable than the more formal (and public) government! government or leader/leader contact. He cites Co-operation North as a case in point. The M.A. in peace studies currently being offered jointly by the University of Ulster and the University of Limerick might be placed in the same category. On the other hand, Darby (1986) claims that in the Northern Ireland context, 'the argument that people should get together because they were hostile towards each other was not (necessarily) persuasive'. This possibility prompted the research to consider a further type of contact i.e. economic, social and sporting links which create informal and formal relationships but which are, to a large degree, independent of political tensions, (The Irish Bridge Union is an example). We describe such links as 'Track Three Diplomacy', in the sense that, simply through meeting with each other they diminish mutual ignorance of each other. In Northern Ireland, ignorance spawns fear and fear engenders tension. If such tension is lessened through casual contacts, then this may make it safer for political leaders to take risks for peace. Such an outcome is in no way the principal objective of these social and sporting groups. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that differing perspectives of the dimensions of the conflict will be gained through contact in a non-threatening milieu. Therefore their very lack of political intent may prove to be their greatest strength in this regard. Montville also argues that co-operative economic development aids conflict resolution in providing incentives, institutional support and continuity to the political process. One such development is studied in some detail - The Boston/Derry/Galway Ventures. This present research study of these various aspects of Cross-border activities has been funded by The United States Institute of Peace and was based in The Centre for the Study of Conflict in The University of Ulster at Coleraine. METHODOLOGY The study is comprised of two parts:
Cross Border Activities No central register currently exists which has attempted to collate information on groups in Ireland who are involved in cross-border activities. The first task of the research therefore was to attempt to identify them and to ascertain their aims, aspirations and modus operandi. Initially the contacts were made either by personal contact or letter. These initial contacts proved seminal in the sense that, not only did they elaborate on their own activities, but also provided both primary and secondary sources concerning other groups and individuals similarly employed. In this way, a bank of 130 such enterprise groups were identified. Questionnaires concerning objectives, development, funding and views on cross-border activities were dispatched in September 1989 with follow up letters sent to non-respondents in October 1989. 99 replies (66%) had been received by the closing date of 30/11/1989. The response rate was significantly better from The Republic of Ireland than from the North. It is speculated that this may have been due, to some degree, to 'Questionnaire Fatigue' in the latter province. Since the register section of the report is seen largely as a reference document, it is presented in two sections. The main body of the register is comprised of groups who responded fully to the questionnaire. Entries include name of group, main activities and sources of funding. An appendix is also included which presents the addresses of groups who either failed to respond to the questionnaire or who gave insufficient information to warrant inclusion in the register itself. Cooperation North Founded in 1979, it's original remit was "to take action to build mutual respect and understanding through practical co-operation in the economic, social and cultural spheres with no political strings attached". The organisation has been described (by Montville) as 'one of the most ambitious and comprehensive citizen initiatives in track two diplomacy'. A research project, also founded by The United States Institute of peace and commencing in 1990, will specifically study the back-ground and development of Co-operation North. The research being presented here, will therefore, restrict itself to giving a brief and more general outline of the organisation's operations with special reference to its school-links, youth, and Network Community Programmes. The research data were gathered principally through interviews with senior executives and field workers based in the Belfast office of Co-operation North and with participants who had received support or funding from the organisation. Lists of participants in the various programmes are included as appendices. The M.A. in Peace Studies This joint programme is unique in the sense that it is the first time that two institutions of higher education on both sides of the border have established such a formal relationship. These are the University of Ulster and the University of Limerick. The course has been in operation for three years. Of research interest, were the objectives, problems and potential of development, funding and perceptions of the course. Research data were collected by means of interview with academic and administrative staff in Derry and Limerick. Questionnaires were also sent to every student who had completed the course and to those who are currently engaged on it. An 80% response rate was achieved. Derry/GalwayIBoston Ventures The decision to study this particular project in detail was a response to the claim that co-operative economic development might aid conflict resolution. While there appeared to be varying perceptions and expectations of the individuals and groups involved, there also seemed to be four agreed central objectives:
It was anticipated that these would bring about job creation and aid the creation of wealth. The study of this particular aspect of the research project posed certain methodological problems. Not least of these was the geographic dispersal of the personnel involved. Nonetheless, research data were gathered by means of interviews with as many as possible of the individuals with an involvement, both past and present, in the Ventures Programme. Interviewed personnel included representatives of political, religious, business and trade union groups. The interviews were carried out in Galway, Derry, Boston and Washington. Return to publication contents
1. COOPERATION NORTH Origin and Development In 1978, a group of individuals in the Republic of Ireland were drawn together by the Common conviction that some action was necessary to build mutual respect and understanding through practical cooperation in the economic, social and cultural spheres in Ireland as a whole, with no political strings attached. This group, headed by Dr. Brendan O’Regan, founded an organisation known as the Southern Movement for Peace. It’s original remit was to redress the prevailing lack of communication and understanding between people in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. It was argued that this lack had bred deep mistrust and suspicion which had contributed significantly to the violence in both parts of Ireland. In 1979 a group of leaders in business trade unions and academics from both sides of the border came together with the objective of reifying this aspiration and thus Cooperation North came into existence. The subsequent development of Cooperation North can perhaps best be presented in terms of a number of distinct phases. The first of these lies roughly between 1979 and 1984. Having already decided that the problems in Northern Ireland could best be understood, and tackled, within the context of Ireland as a whole, research was embarked upon to attempt to illuminate issues and strategies to deal with them. This phase seems to have been characterised by a number of publications dealing with the degree of cooperation (or lack of it) between North and South in such domains as Tourism, Education and Power (electrical). Apart from informing the group, this research activity was to shape the organisation which emerged after 1985. This first phase was also accompanied by a number of high level public relations exercises. The Lord Mayors of Dublin and Belfast travelled to New York and Boston to highlight the work of Cooperation North and media personalities from Northern Ireland went south with the same mission. At this stage there was no real involvement with grass roots level through community participation but rather energies were directed towards convincing people of the need for Cooperation North and of the possible contributions it could make towards diminishing violence and tension. This research phase identified several areas of endeavour and cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As a result the second developmental phase was characterised by the construction of three specific programmes which might enhance and further facilitate such cooperation. Business Links Various levels of economic activity and cooperation were identified and it was concluded that scope existed for increased North/South trade within the overall context of promoting and developing both economies. ‘Business links’ emerged in 1985 with the objective of acting as a catalyst to promote and encourage cooperation between all kinds of business organisations in both public and private sectors. The programme has six major elements: (i) Business organisations; links and exchanges which mainly concerned small or medium sized enterprises. (ii) Conferences The strategy of funding conferences emerged directly from the self perception of cooperation North as a facilitator of cooperation rather than a director. They provide the opportunity for groups or individuals with common interests to come together to discuss mutual concerns and objectives. Four such symposia have been held on, Cross-border tourism, International Trade, the Media and Finance. (iii) Exhibitions and Workshops Support is given for exhibitions of Irish goods both at home and abroad. Support is also given to workshops such as an enterprise competition among students from Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Limerick and the University of Ulster. The best projects are given a presentation to selected audiences. (iv) Business Guide The principal purpose of the guide is to provide traders with a working knowledge of the basic elements of cross-border trade procedures. It is directed mainly at small to medium sized operations who may wish to trade across the border. In this context (as in others) it is difficult to gauge how successful the guide is in terms of achieving its objectives. It would seem that, at the moment, cooperation North does not have sufficient manpower to fully evaluate their programmes with a view to updating and improvement (v) Referral Service This service provides information and help to sponsor introductions between businesses and organisations, buying and selling, North and South of the Border. (vi) Research At present, major research is being carried out to examine various forms of marketing and what type of companies are involved. Academics from the University of Ulster and The College of Marketing and Design in Dublin have been commissioned to carry out the work. Other research priorities will involve studies of problems common to businesses in Northern and Southern Ireland and the areas where potential cooperation may exist. Of more recent interest is the degree of cooperation between community business programmes. Youth and Education Programme The original programme under this heading was entitled ‘Enviroventures’ which emerged as a result of a growing awareness of environmental issues. As a result, it attracted mainly ‘conservation type’ groups who came together in a two-way exchange from North and South at a project based level. However, feedback from the field suggested that such a restricted brief was too narrow and excluded many other groups who might profit from, and wish to be involved in, exchanges. As a result, in 1985, the Youth Links and School Links schemes were launched. Participants in the Youth Links programme are recorded in Appendix 2 while those in The School Links Programme are presented in Appendix 3. These programmes allowed groups of young people of whatever background or interest to take part. The scheme involves each group being linked with a Northern or Southern counterpart and time is spent visiting each other and staying with host families where possible. Participants are funded by Cooperation North and are requested to submit reports on their projects and exchanges. These reports are judged by an advisory panel and awards are given to groups that are considered to have gained most from the experience and also have contributed most in terms of establishing deeper relationships. Cooperation North provides back up and support for the Youth groups involved in the exchanges. However, as will be discussed later, there seem to be differing views held by participants ‘on the ground’ with regard to the quality of this support. Network Scheme Cooperation North were requested to provide programmes which catered for adults. As a result, the then assistant chief executive Tom Fegan consulted a wide range of concerns. The generic title of Network emerged which covered five main categories - concerns of Women, the Arts, Community Action, Community Care and Co-operatives. The exchanges were monitored and grants awarded in very much the same manner as the Youth and Education programmes. Perhaps, in the 1990’s, Cooperation North can be seen to be entering a third phase of development. At present an evaluation study is being carried out by Brendan O’Regan and Joyce O,Connor. It is attempting inter alia to measure attitudinal change within the organisation and also to identify groups with whom Cooperation North has been most efficient. It would seem that long term planning has become a priority. The Organisation is growing steadily - perhaps even dramatically. in 1984 15,000 people were involved, in 1988 17,000 and in 1989, 25,000 took part in one or other of the schemes. While encouraging, this growth has major implications for (and demands on) funding. In this context, fund raising activities have been extended to the west coast of the United States. Decisions have also been taken to further exploit the European dimension not simply in terms of funding but also in an effort to treat issues in Ireland within the wider European context. In this way, it is hoped that an awareness of these more general issues may help to diffuse the more insular fears and suspicions which exist within and between the North and South of Ireland. There is also the possibility that Cooperation North will align itself more closely with other peace initiatives in Europe. There also exists a conviction that expansion should not simply be a case of increased staffing and resources but rather provide opportunities to facilitate the coming together of larger groups than heretofore who could subsequently take responsibility themselves for further activities and strategies. Two recent examples of this have been the formation of a Media committee, who would study the role of the media in reducing conflict, and the Tourism committee whose remit was to examine how the island of Ireland can be marketed as a whole. This current evaluation phase may well prove to be the most important developmental stage for Cooperation North. A realisation has long existed both within and without the organisation that, due to lack of resources and manpower, evaluation of many activities has received less attention than perhaps they should. The thrust now would appear to be a study of current effectiveness with a view to constructing a realistic and informed plan of action for the next five years. From discussions at all levels with individuals involved with Co-operation North, it would appear that the organisation experiences many more difficulties in achieving its objectives than at first apparent. As aforesaid, it is in many ways, a victim of its own success. It has now become a high-profile organisation continually in the public (and media) eye. This may have many advantages in terms of attracting funding and support but it seems to have drawbacks as well. It may, for example, enforce the adoption of strategies which are politic rather than radical. In this context, a comment about Cooperation North which was voiced quite often by respondents to the questionnaire was that it was reluctant to associate itself with highly sensitive issues or groups. This perception may have been reinforced by a well publicised event which occurred recently. Apparently the annual prize-giving event for groups within the Network scheme was to have taken place publicly in a hotel in Dublin. However, when the invited audience arrived, they were to find that one prize had already been given out some hours previously in private. It transpired that the two groups involved were a Lesbian group from the North of Ireland and an A.I.D.S. support group from the Republic of Ireland. It is not known what (or if) pressure was brought to bear in order to precipitate this procedure. It did however cause a degree of disappointment and ill-feeling, especially within the groups concerned. The event was also reported, in a less than complimentary way, by the serious press in Ireland. In the context of the overall objectives of Cooperation North, this event and the reactions to it may seem trivial. However it does illustrate the difficulties which any organisation attempting to foster contact in a conflict situation may have to face. It seems clear that no difficulty existed with regard to supporting these groups in terms of money and prizes. However to do so publicly may cause more problems for an organisation like Cooperation North in terms of its own public perception. it is understandable and highly pragmatic for an organisation attempting to serve such a large number of divergent groups and disparate concerns, and, at the same time being aware of its hitherto successful image, to display a degree of circumspection with regard to association with potentially controversial groups or issues. It is possible therefore that the bigger and more established a group, involved in ‘Track two diplomacy’ becomes, the more careful it has to be with regard to radical policies and procedures. A further interesting facet of the exchange programmes is the divergence of opinion which seems to exist within Cooperation North with regard to the extent to which the organisation should get involved with the process of exchange rather than simply facilitate them as in the form of some kind of ‘dating agency’. In fact, at the level of Youth and School Links programmes, there is now a recognition, based to a large degree on feedback from the groups themselves, of a need for increased support and back-up and an examination and evaluation of the process of exchange. Measures have already been introduced to this end and take the form of workshops and seminars based on the expressed needs of the groups concerned. Nevertheless, the most consistent criticisms voiced was that there was a lack of training and back-up for leaders in the field of Youth and School exchange programmes. It would seem therefore, that, despite the efforts being made by Cooperation North, there still exists an anxiety in this regard among participants. In the context of geographic spread of support by Cooperation North, within Northern Ireland, less that 10% of groups involved in the Youth and School exchange programmes are located in the North west of the province. Staff explain this discrepancy (if such it is) as a result of their office being sited on the eastern seabound and also "that groups there may have their own agenda and hence don’t see cross-border contact as being a high priority". They have attempted to involve more people from the North West by setting up local contacts and also had an information roadshow visit last year. However, an argument can be made that perhaps more effort could be made to support a section of the population who have perhaps suffered more than most from the divisions and conflict. There is no one more aware of all of these points than the staff of Cooperation North. There is no doubt that evaluation of present activities will improve the efficiency of future strategies. For example, Cooperation North have always claimed that cross-border exchange may act as a precursor or a facilitator for cross-cultural exchange within the Province itself. ("It is often easier to cross the border than to cross the city"). It would be interesting to discover if this is true and how enduring subsequent cultural exchanges prove to be. There is an obvious need for both formative and summative evaluation to be carried out here. But evaluation requires money and manpower. The organization has already commenced work in this regard, it is to be hoped that it will receive the necessary funds to continue.
The principal aim of this project was to attempt to identify and describe the range of alternative strategies being employed in Ireland to reduce tension and conflict there. It was informed by Montvilles work on Track Two Diplomacy which he has defined as unofficial, informed interaction between representatives of adversary groups or nations which aims to develop strategies and create an environment which could contribute to the resolution of their conflict. The project goes further in studying groups from north and south of the political border in Ireland who meet and mix with each other naturally. However, their activities differ from Montvilles definition in two significant ways. In the first place, they may or may not be representatives of adversary groups and secondly, while they may contribute to the resolution of conflict, this is in no way their primary purpose. We refer to such contact, and the benefits that accrue from it, as Track Three Diplomacy. This is a new concept in the sense that casual, rather than studied or contrived contact is treated as a legitimate research concern. Perhaps the word casual is unfair and further elaboration is required. As stated in chapter one, the groups studied who were involved in cross-border activities could be located comfortably enough within three broad categories
Obviously those engaged in Track Three Diplomacy were to be found in categories 2 and 3. In Ireland, as in other areas which are experiencing conflict, the antagonists tend to have only a stereotypical knowledge of each other. This in fact is no knowledge at all since, by definition, one cannot have a stereotype of someone whom one knows. Ignorance can spawn suspicion which is a potent catalyst for conflict. It follows therefore that if such ignorance is diminished this may have a beneficial effect with regard to conflict resolution. This however is not invariably true. One can imagine occasions when, especially superficial contact, might do more harm than good. The question must be asked therefore which type of contact is most likely to have a beneficial effect on the reduction of tensions and conflict. In this context there is an argument, often expressed by project participants, that where contact is contrived, it tends to appeal to those who have least need of it. Such contact was often associated with a preoccupation with visits and partners. This research would suggest that cross-border contact in Ireland appeared to be most natural and perhaps most beneficial among what the report describes as campaign-based groups. The great advantage of such groups, in terms of conflict reduction is that rarely were the individuals aware that they were involved in such activities. The campaign (whatever it was) seemed to be perceived as having much more importance than any cross-border relationships which were essential to, and an integral part of, the overall plan of action. Knowledge of, and friendships with, each other grew naturally as they would in any social relationship. Thus, one of the crucial aspirations of those seeking conflict resolution i.e. ameliorating the effects of ignorance was being achieved. Of importance, is the fact that it was being achieved unconsciously and we believe that it is this unconscious element that is the essence of Track Three Diplomacy. This was demonstrated graphically at interview when participants in such groups seemed consistently not to see the point of them being questioned about their cross-border relationships. It was obviously so commonplace to them as to have become totally unremarkable. Perhaps therefore it is when this stage has been reached that Track Three Diplomacy will achieve most. In terms of achievement, it is possible that track three diplomacy will be more successful in controlling conflict at a day to day level (see Darby 1986) than in attaining the longer term objective of resolving the conflict. It is important to state that no value judgements are being made with regard to the relative efficacy of casual versus studied contact. Indeed it would be invidious to do so. For example, the activities of Cooperation North fall very clearly within the latter category in the sense that the organisation exists specifically to improve relationships. Its achievements have been quite remarkable. For example, this project has identified 174 groups who have forged links across the border as part of Cooperation North's youth scheme and 214 schools who meet with Northern and Southern counterparts through their school links scheme. It would appear that the objective of all these activities is that a common concern, or at least a common awareness, will emerge from the contacts which they arrange. This is in fact an opposite approach to Track Three Diplomacy where contacts naturally emerge from the common concern. Boston Ireland Ventures would seem to lie somewhere in between in the sense that there is a conscious effort to capitalise upon a shared anxiety i.e. the reduction of unemployment. In fact the activities and approaches of all the groups studied varied tremendously, from the high-profile groups such as Cooperation North and Boston Ireland Ventures to small groups or individuals who are motivated either by a desire to reduce tension in Northern Ireland or who are engaged in the pursuit of a non-political ideal which is shared by members both north and south of the border. We contend that all of these groups help to reduce conflict in their own way. What the smaller groups lack in funding and personnel, they gain in freedom of action and independence. In fact it can be claimed that the bigger (and perhaps more institutionalised) a group becomes, the less radical it can afford to be. On the other hand, the closer a groups activities take it to the finger on the trigger the less likely it is to get support from recognised bodies. This latter point should be given serious consideration by statutory bodies. It may perhaps be a risky business being associated with such groups but maybe the time has come to take risks. There was a temptation throughout this research to treat the border as if it were some kind of objective reality. This in fact is far from the case. A reality it may well be, objective it certainly is not. At a very obvious level, nationalists perceive the border as a frustration of their aspirations while unionists see it as a safeguard of theirs. This will come as no surprise to anyone. However, what was rather more interesting, was the range of differing perceptions which existed within these broad groups. At one extreme, The Gaelic Athletic Associations response to our questionnaire was that they did not recognise the border and therefore did not engage in any cross-border activities! On the other hand, several Roman Catholic representatives in Derry claimed that they were rarely aware of the border between their city and neighbouring Muff or Buncrana but they would be very conscious of it between distant Newry and Dundalk. If this is a generally held view, it would suggest that cross-border projects may have more chance of success if there are physical and geographical (as well as political) justifications for it. Would for example Boston Derry Buncrana ventures make more sense than Boston Derry Galway ventures? Some saw the border very much in an economic context in terms of differing prices, taxation and social welfare provision. Others were rather more preoccupied with its cultural and political implications. It will be interesting to see what effect the introduction of the single European market in 1992 will have on such views. On the one hand it can be argued that it will make a nonsense of the existence of the border, at an economic level at least. On the other it may result in an even fiercer defence of cultural identity on both sides. If this is the case then it may well be that an attitudinal border may prove much less permeable than an economic one. What is clear, is that there will be an inevitable increase in cross-border traffic as a result of the single market. It is to be hoped that this will at least decrease the relative ignorance on either side which exists at the moment. The questionnaire data would suggest that this ignorance is particularly acute in Southern Ireland. Many respondents there claimed that the majority of the population neither knew, nor wanted to know, anything about Northern Ireland. It is difficult to know whether this should be seen as a cause or an effect of the fact that in cross-border activities, most of the movement tends to be from north to south. There seemed to be a wide range of strategies employed by groups who were consciously engaged in attempts to reduce conflict. Some were convinced that economic investment was the best way to proceed. Others that increased contact among differing cultural, religious and political groups was likely to prove most productive. Some sought attitudinal change, others structural reconstruction. Indeed many groups had cross-border links but had no concern for conflict reduction. In this latter context, White (1983) has studied the extent to which the international frontier between The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland is ignored by private organisations. His primary interest was not in conflict reduction but rather in a preliminary reconnaissance of the mismatch between the state boundary and private organisations. He identifies 151 bodies who operate on an all-Ireland basis and claims that of these, the border is most frequently breached by church organisations. This concurs with our own findings. However, we also identified high levels of cross-border contact among youth, educational and community groups. The increase in this type of contact is probably due, in some degree, to the efforts of Cooperation North which largely post date White's research. What was clear throughout our research was that many people in Northern Ireland who could broadly be described as unionists, experienced absolutely no difficulty in getting involved in cross-border activities. This was so, either because no compromise of ideals was demanded (as seemed to be the case in campaigns, commerce, sport, tourism etc.) or, that the potential rewards justified any risk (As seemed to be the case with Boston Ireland Ventures and The The International Fund for Ireland). There may be a lesson here for those promoting the Anglo Irish Agreement and its concern to examine the totality of relationships within these islands. It would seem essential that they make greater efforts to convince unionists that there is no threat to their position and at the same time, increase the inducements to get involved in trans-cultural, -political and -border activities. One significant shortcoming which was apparent throughout this research was the almost total lack of evaluation engaged in by the groups studied. This applied as much to the larger organisations as it did to the smaller groups. Cooperation North for example are concerned about this aspect of their operations and have recently commissioned an attitudinal evaluation of their institution. It is difficult to imagine how the quality and effectiveness of cross-border contact, in terms of conflict resolution, can be improved without having a clearer picture not only of the objectives of the participants, but also of the extent to which these objectives are being achieved. We have attempted to provide information with regard to the former, but, as yet, no information exists concerning the latter need. It is almost a truism to state that no matter how well intentioned cross-border activities are, it is inevitable that their achievements will be limited by a lack of knowledge of how (and perhaps of what) they are doing. We see an urgent need for this shortcoming to be redressed. Such an undertaking will obviously require assistance from those with expertise in the field of evaluation. Together, their responsibility might be to construct a profile of the objectives (and more importantly the achievements) of groups and organisations involved in cross-border activities. At the micro level, negotiation is required with individual groups to allow more closely focused study on their procedures with a view to help them clarify their objectives, procedures and results. It seems clear, that in the context of conflict reduction, the more informed people are about their activities and priorities, the greater their potential will be to make a contribution. This of course will cost money and it must be asked where such funding might be obtained? In this context, in addition to the possible list of sources cited in section one, it may be productive for groups to look further afield for assistance. It is all too easy for people who are involved in cross-border activities in Ireland to perceive their problems as unique. However, a study of Europe should convince them that many of the difficulties which they face are in fact shared by many other groups on the continent. It is also possible that Europe may prove to be a valuable source of information, support and funding in this regard. At the moment the European Social Fund is supporting a whole range of what they refer to as transborder projects. Technical and, more especially financial aid has been given to encourage the countries concerned to set up joint developmental programmes for regions with an internal border. A joint educational project being conducted in Briancon (in the French Alps) and Bardonecchia (in the Italian Piedmont region) is an example. Another is The University of Ulster, Magee College(UU)-Letterkenny Regional Technical College(LRTC) Transborder Community Development Innovative Training Project. Other Irish projects receiving Community funding are the Louisburgh programme to develop a co-ordinated local response to tourism, the Inishowen project to promote local development and the Letterfrack innovative partnership programme. It is true, that currently the funded projects tend to take the form of vocational training schemes or promoting employment and geographical mobility. However, with the completion of the Single market in 1992, the last legal and institutional barriers to the free movement of capital, goods and labour within the European Community are expected to fall. This has precipitated opposition from groups who are concerned with the retention of cultural identity which in turn has highlighted the fact that the problems of implementing the Single European Act are far from purely economic. It was with this in mind that the Commission published its paper in 1987 entitled A fresh boost for culture in the European Community. Kockel (1989) claims that this represented a recognition of the need for a more comprehensive cultural policy which presumably would seek to take into account any implications the Single European Act might have for regional culture and perhaps for existing cultural problems especially in border regions. It would seem therefore that the time may well be opportune for groups with an interest in cross-border relationships and activities to seek support for their endeavours from the European Social Fund. In fact, approaches of this kind have already been made. An application from The Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool is currently before The Commission for support for a pilot study of Ulster which will concentrate on historical, economic and political linkages between parts of an ethic/cultural region divided by a national border. It would also appear that bodies such as Cooperation North are looking more towards Europe for funding for their cross-border activities. This research has attempted to provide a profile of the range of alternative strategies being employed in Ireland to reduce tension and conflict there. It is therefore essentially a reference document and for this reason is rather more descriptive than analytical. While some analysis is attempted, it became clear during the project that very much more was urgently needed. Many of the project groups seemed less than clear about how best to proceed in the future. Quite simply, they need help in this regard. We have attempted to illuminate the 'what' and perhaps the 'why' of cross-border activities. Urgent consideration should now be given to the 'how'.
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