By Billy Mitchell

"The Other View" promotes and assists dialogue between loyalists and republicans on Politics, Religion, Culture and Social Issues. It is our intention to look at issues that are both contentious and issues where there appears to be potential for common ground. The idea for the initiative began some twelve months ago when Tommy Mc Kearney, whom I had known for a number of years previously, suggested that there was a need for republicans and loyalists to engage in constructive dialogue with a view to coming to an understanding of each other's perspective on life.

Notwithstanding the deftly choreographed multi-party talks that led to the Belfast Agreement we both were of the opinion that neither the Ulster Unionists nor Sinn Fein had genuinely engaged in positive dialogue. Neither party really came to an understanding of the other. With the exception of the SDLP, which had to be part of the choreographed routine, the other parties were left out of the loop. Both Governments were interested in bringing Sinn Fein in from the cold and pressing the Ulster Unionists to at least accept them, even if they couldn't embrace them. The process eventually led to the Belfast Agreement, which I accepted, warts and all, and which Tommy couldn't accept, in spite of what I consider to be some good points.

What we are agreed on is that neither the talks process nor the Belfast Agreement has succeeded in helping Unionists and Republicans to genuinely understand each other. Much of what has passed for political dialogue has been nothing more than people talking at each other rather than talking with each other. That is perhaps the greatest failure of the whole political peace process, and perhaps the most dangerous failure.

Tommy and I believe that if political enemies like ourselves are ever going to understand each other we have to change the dynamic of the peace process by opening new channels of communication and encouraging the resulting relationships into constructive directions. One ultimate objective is to direct more energy and resources into truthfully telling our stories and those of our communities so that we can find a genuine basis for a lasting solution to our conflict.

Our search for understanding has two basic elements. Constructive dialogue on contentious issues through which both loyalists and republicans can break through communication barrier, overcome the tendency to indulge in stereotyping, and more importantly to treat each other with respect as human beings. Such dialogue is essential if we are to achieve understanding and validate each other's story. A second element is to explore issues of commonality or potential commonality and to examine ways in which we can reach agreement on how best they can be dealt with.

The purpose of our project is not to change each others beliefs but to help us to change our misconceptions about each others beliefs. The process is about understanding and respect, not about conversion or recrimination. Hence no one is being asked to compromise their beliefs or their values. The search is for mutual understanding, trust and respect.

Introduction        Part II

By Tommy McKearney

Contrary to what many middle class opinion-formers say, the Northern Irish 'Troubles' was not brought about by a breakdown in communication between the communities. Belfast did not become a byword for communal strife because of segregated education, antagonistic sporting federations, separate holiday locations or the plethora of other single identity happenings. Infrequent association was the result of our problems, not the cause of them.

For some time now, well meaning people in Northern Ireland have gone to great lengths organising cross-community holidays, integrated education, ecumenical hymn singing evenings and many other 'contract' events. All of that are very worthy but sadly have had no effect. Not that this should come as a great surprise. Our difficulties are not superficial; they are real and run deep. How these differences are to be resolved is a huge question that requires serious examination.

It was very exciting therefore that Billy Mitchell agreed to lead "The Other View". This undertaking is determined to create an arena where views and ideas can be exchanged, explained, researched and examined. Those of us participating in this magazine are not attempting to proselytise. It is not our objective to convert erstwhile enemies or to subvert their long held political beliefs. Indeed it is not even our expectations that we might do so.

What we have set our minds to is, nevertheless, hardly less difficult.

– "The Other View" intends to bring political opponents together in order to explain to each other their core beliefs and views. Is republicanism and nationalism identical? Are all loyalist (or any) members of the Orange Order?

– Can the GAA be reasonably described as the Provos at play and does Linfield FC only have Protestants on their team? Such questions might appear naive to many. If people were to hear all the answers though, they would understand why such issues need an honest airing.

This magazine is not a substitute for political negotiations or dialogue. It should be seen rather as a modest contribution to serious political discourse. It shall not therefore ignore our profound difference nor yet concentrate on this changing world of economic globalisation with its attendant permanently marginalised class. It is not unreasonable to expect that there are many issues to unite us all.

It is deeply regrettable, catastrophic indeed, when trouble, develops because of irreconcilable differences. Yet it is nothing short of Greek-tragedy where strife and unrest exist because of misunderstanding or misconception. However much we may wish to do so, few writers have the power to budge the unmoveable or stop the uncontainable and this magazine makes no claim to miraculous power. "The Other View" will attempt though, to shed some enlightenment on those areas where blind prejudice alone maintains conflict.

Both Billy and myself would like to take this opportunity to thank Tom Hale and the staff of Co-operation Ireland whose patience and guidance made this project possible.