Mitchell Scholars Visit Northern Ireland and Brussels

Mitchell Scholars have had an eventful spring term.

In February, they gathered in Belfast where they met with US Consul-General Kamala Lakhdhir and members of her staff Kevin Roland and Peter McKittrick. Scholars had the opportunity to develop a keener appreciation for US investments in the economy of Northern Ireland and gained insight into the recent agreements regarding devolution of policing and justice.

The Scholars were guests at the “Peace Lines and Lyrics” concert at Stormont, sponsored by the David Ervine Foundation. They had an opportunity to hear a discussion between former republican and loyalist paramilitaries. They also heard Dawn Purvis talked about the role of facilitating cross-community communication. Gerry Creen and Benita Hill, singer-songwriters, provided musical contributions to the discussion.

At Stormont, they attended David Ford’s (Leader of the Alliance Party) press conference announcing his interest in becoming Minister for Policing and Justice. Scholars enjoyed following up on this experience in an informal discussion with Ford. He was candid and forthcoming about his concerns and aspirations.

When the Scholars met with Sir Reg Empey, leader of the UUP, they asked him what they could do to further the US-NI relationship. He stressed the importance of individual relationships they form as Scholars. He asked that they cultivate and nourish relationships over time, building economic, educational, and cultural ties over the long term.

Perhaps the most poignant experience in Belfast was the “murals tour” Scholars took with Dom Bryan, of Queen’s University Belfast. In addition to seeing murals, Scholars were able to have a vital discussion of identity and cross-community opportunities, particularly as regards schools and education (particularly issues of integrated schools).

In order to develop an understanding of more than one aspect of living in Northern Ireland, Scholars spent the second half of mid-year gathering in a rural border area. After a tour of the Ulster-American Folk Park, they visited Castle Leslie, in County Monaghan, an estate that straddles the border. The area witnessed its share of tension during the Troubles but the estate is a locus of economic activity today. Not only does the Castle serve as a destination, but the estate is also an essential element in the economic life of the community, from the cookery school, equestrian center, and hospitality business to the integrated constructed wetlands, agricultural enterprises, and is a center for cross-border regeneration efforts. Sir John and Sammy Leslie were welcoming and gracious hosts.

Brussels

Mitchell Scholars were recently guests of Irish Permanent Representation to the EU, thanks to an invitation from Ambassador Rory Montgomery, who thought it would be valuable for them to understand the EU and its importance to Ireland.

Scholars enjoyed two days of briefings and conversations with officials and members of delegations at the European Union.

After a brief welcome and orientation, they met with Irish MEPs Alan Kelly, Sean Kelly, Marian Harkin. They then attended the session of the Plenary Chamber for votes.

Lunch was hosted by US Deputy Head of Mission, Christopher Murray. They then enjoyed an official tour of the European Commission before meeting with Jillian Van Turnhout, Irish Representative on the European Economic and Social Committee and Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance. They also visited the EPC Think Tank as guests of Antonio Missiroli, Director of Studies.

The Scholars’ second day in Brussels began with further discussions with the Irish Permanent Representation. This was followed by meetings with Rebecca Pugh, Desk Officer, DG RELEX – US and Canada Unit and Heidi Lougheed, Director of EU Affairs at the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC).

That afternoon, they met with Noel Griffin in the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive, and Robert Collins, Head of the Irish Regions Office, Committee of the Regions as well as their host, Ambassador Montgomery, and Noel White, of the Council Secretariat.

The official program concluded with a reception in the Scholars’ honor held at the Ambassador’s residence. Guests included members of the Irish Northern Ireland, and US delegations to the EU, as well as young Irish leaders. The Scholars and the Alliance are grateful for the hospitality shown by the Ambassador and his staff.