Violence has been reduced in Northern Ireland but our communities remain deeply divided. We have a sulky stalemate, rather than a peaceful society. There is much talk of moving to a United Ireland, with not many clear outlines of what this would involve, and how this would reconcile with Unionists. As well, people in the Republic of Ireland are largely uninformed about the conflict in the North.

Ireland, North and South, has also received many people from other countries. This has been of great benefit to many, for example in the health service. But it has also led to tensions with locals.

Our dialogue project addresses all these issues.

The Dialogue Project brings together Republicans, Unionists, Loyalists and others to explore issues that matter to them. The process starts with people deeply suspicious because they have suffered from each other. It moves from a focus on what really matters to them as individuals, to asking what can they live with, given that others disagree with them.

During the process, participants realise that:

• The gap between their opponents and themselves is less than they thought,
• Their opponents are not as clever as they had thought,
• Their opponents are not as united as they thought.

In Phase Two participants are asked questions about partnership, such as: `Of the aims that you want to achieve, which can you achieve only with the help of your opponents?’

During the process participants gradually move to a less emotional state in which the conflict becomes one of interests instead of identity.

These dialogues can take place in a residential setting with as many as 25 taking part, or they may involve a small number of people who have never met meeting for a few sessions.

The dialogues are important because they lead to deeper understanding.

Contact: Brian Lennon: info@dialoguefordiversity.org