The Other View

Issue No.12 Spring 2003

Overview

Welcome to the latest edition of The Other View. The theme of this edition focuses on the experience of the Protestant community in the southern border counties. Only recently this was a topical issue in the media and amongst both northern and southern political representatives. Unfortunately the ‘demise’ of this community seemed to be no more than a flag of convenience in the hands of representatives on either side of the political and religious divide.

Thus the editorial board of The Other View decided that the best way to approach this issue was to meet with and talk directly to the leaders of this community and to those who are well informed on matters and issues of relevance. The responses and reactions contained in a series of articles shed a revealing light on how border Protestant communities see themselves within past and present historical, cultural and political contexts. The Other View has striven to examine issues affecting border Protestants in a real and meaningful way. This is their story. These are their words. This is how they are interpreting their experience within a post partition post-conflict situation. This is how they perceive of their identity and sense of place in what is essentially a changing landscape. They are not Anglo-Irish, they are Ulster Protestants within an Irish dimension. They are northern Protestants whose call is echoed in Antrim and Armagh as moth to moth calls across a roaring hill...or drumlin.

Since our last edition there have been major developments re global and local matters. We have another Secretary of State, more elections are in the offing, policing partnerships have been established and despite the millions of voices raised throughout the world against war we are on the verge of possible global mayhem. Diplomacy has failed in the Middle East. No more jaw jaw just war war.
Other articles focus on the scourge of so-called joyriding and concomitant yob culture so pervasive today.

An article on paedophilia reminds us of the inherent weaknesses of human nature. The so-called great and good are also vulnerable to vice when it comes to perversity. Finally, a BBC News 24 documentary featuring The Other View which was scheduled to be broadcast before Christmas has now been re-scheduled to April. Your comments and views are welcome.

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