The Council of the Isles and the Scotland Northern Ireland relationship
by Graham Walker
Debate over the possibilities of Scottish devolution in the 1970s was an acrimonious and insular affair. This time round perspectives seem broader and more open-ended, and the parallel developments in the Northern Ireland peace process have impinged significantly. There may be continuing uncertainty about the role of the BIC and its relationship to a plethora of other bodies, and it may have to deal with fresh rehearsals of ancient hatreds and cultural antagonisms, but there does appear to be a discernible wish to make it a meaningful institution. There is an adventurous quality to it which has captured a sufficient number of imaginations to improve its chances of proving successful (Dudley Edwards 1998).
1. There is some contrast between Scottish engagement with current developments
in the Northern Ireland peace process, and the lack of a substantial contribution
at the time of the Anglo Irish Agreement in 1985. See the comments of Scottish
Labour MP Hugh Brown regarding the desirability of a Scottish voice (Hansard
26 November 1985). |
