Overview

The Other View is delighted to bring our readers the winter edition for 2002. In this issue we dedicate some considerable space to an examination of the collapse of the local or devolved government institutions at Stormont. As is editorial committee policy, The Other View takes no editorial line per se on political matters. We are happy however to have our contributors air their very differing views on these and other matters.

It will become obvious to our readers that among our writers their are indeed several conflicting opinions as to the importance of recent political events, interpretations of their causes and origins and indeed a possible solution to our difficulties. Nevertheless, we are confident that this exchange of outlooks can only be positive in the current climate. As always we have sought to present differing views but from a position of balance and fairness.

Elsewhere in this issue, as is also our policy, we carry subject matter that is of common concern to all people on this island. Problems such as suicide, conflict abroad and the need to find properly paid employment for the maximum number of people everywhere. In particular, the issue of proper treatment of workers (especially immigrants) is of real significance on both sides of the border today.

Recent television programmes, newspaper articles and court cases have clearly indicated the very unsatisfactory conditions experienced by strangers to this country. Therefore, the article by Billy Mitchell is timely and thought provoking. Unfortunately, the article on suicide by Anthony McIntyre is also all too topical. Ultimately though, such unpleasant subject material has to be publicly addressed.

On a very different note the editorial committee and all the workers with The Other View are delighted to extend our best wishes to our readers at this festive time of year. We recognise, nevertheless, that for many people Christmas can be a sad and lonely occasion. We have appealed on page 23 to our readers to be generous in their contributions to their chosen charities. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind our readers that financial aid is not always enough. Elderly people and those living alone are often more in need of friendship than finance.

A letter, phone call, or visit is always welcome.

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