Symbols
and marches: your consent?
From IRISH NEWS July 6th, 2000
THE PRINCIPLE OF CONSENT
The principle of consent was part of the agreement. Under it Northern Ireland
will remain part of the UK unless and until the greater number of people
decide otherwise.
Questions:
1. For unionists Do you accept the principle of consent? If so, what do
you mean by it? Does the principle of consent mean unionists should tolerate
nationalist symbols? What does the principle require in terms of obeying
the laws of Northern Ireland?
2. For nationalists Does the principle of consent mean that you have accepted
that Northern Ireland's primary political identity for the time being is
British? If not, why not? Given that you have accepted the principle of
consent in the Agreement what duties do you have towards the State in Northern
Ireland?
3. For all of us Do you feel bound by decisions made by the executive and
the assembly? If not, to what democratic body do you give your consent?
Will the executive survive if the wider community do not resolve disputes
over flags and marches? What can you do within your local area to reduce
tensions this summer?
CONCLUSION The summer is often a difficult time in Northern Ireland. It
doesn't have to be that way. What can you do to make it different?
Community Dialogue Executive: David Holloway (Chair), Anne Carr, Noreen
Christian, Bronagh Hinds, Bernie Laverty, John Loughran, Andy Park, PJ McClean,
Mary Lavery, Michaela McCabe, Chris O'Halloran, Billy Mitchell.
Coordinators: Ernie Carroll (Finance), Brian Lennon (Dialogue).
Development Officer: Katie Rutledge (Tyrone), The Milestone Center, Carrickmore,
BT79 9AL; Administration: Jennifer McGivern. 373 Springfield Road, Belfast
BT12 7DG. Tel 028-90-329995 Fax 028-90330482 Mob 077-1074-1963 E-mail: admin@commdial.org
Web: www.commdial.org |
