US-Ireland Alliance

Mitchell Scholars Meet Northern Ireland Leaders

Members of the Class of ’11 participated in their mid-year seminar in February.  They gathered in Belfast where they met with the US Consul-General and members of her staff. 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. 

They spent time with Members of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly and Ministers.  Their visit coincided with budget committee meetings, and despite a busy schedule, they met with the Deputy First Minister (DFM) and members of his staff, as well as the Minister for Employment and Learning and members of his staff. When the Scholars met with DFM McGuinness, 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. In addition, they received a thorough and informative briefing on the process of devolution from staff of the Northern Ireland office.  These insights were foundational to the Scholars’ understanding and appreciation of their activities the following day.

The day began with a meeting organized by Professor Pete Shirlow, of Queen’s University Belfast.  He brought together two ex-prisoners – one a former member of the IRA and one representing the UDA.  These men offered a frank and candid glimpse into their motivations during “the Troubles” and the steps they have subsequently taken to foster peace and reconciliation between their communities.  They also addressed remaining challenges, and assisted the Scholars to develop a fuller understanding of identities, particularly those within the Loyalist/Unionist and Republican/Nationalist communities.

The Scholars enjoyed a “murals tour” 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 (specifically issues of integrated schools).

The Scholars were guests at the “Play for Peace” performance, sponsored by the David Ervine Foundation. Young people from the Wave Trauma center participated, and the event was highlighted by a panel which centered on the role the arts have played in the peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland, in Belfast in particular.  The evening was capped by “Rhythm & Rhyme”, a collaboration between established writers and musicians.

Elections were held in the Republic of Ireland while the Scholars were in Belfast.  The day after the polls, the Scholars began their day a briefing on the Irish political process.  The rest of the day was spent on the north Antrim coast, visiting Giant’s Causeway, touring the historic Bushmill’s distillery, and venturing across the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.