Conference and events

Is it possible to celebrate the past while looking forward, and without reinforcing the divisions that years of peace have done so much to overcome? This was the question we discussed at our conference last September. The last year has seen great change - new governments in Dublin and London, elections in Northern Ireland, and the historic visit to the Republic of Ireland by the Queen. There is great energy and enthusiasm to be channelled. But, at the same time, we are approaching a decade of significant centenaries. How should commemoration be managed?

Among our speakers on this important topic were Diarmaid Ferriter, who provided the historical context, Stephen Collins and Paul Bew. Fintan O’Toole offered useful ground rules, and Onora O’Neill sounded a warning against triumphalism, suggesting that if we are to commemorate without exacerbating conflict, we must first think who would be harmed or excluded. In the view of the poet Theo Dorgan, to bracket several centenaries together risks imposing artificial equivalences between them. Bob Collins, talking about the Queen’s visit, reminded us of the importance of symbolic gesture. Max Taylor talked about another anniversary – 9/11, ten years on. There were speeches too by Brian Hayes, Minister of State for Public Service Reform and the Office of Public Works; Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; Danny Kennedy MLA; Jim Wells MLA, and the MP Naomi Long.

More than a hundred people joined in this debate, which took place over a weekend. They came from many different backgrounds and held many different views. In bringing them together, in a beautiful setting, where helpful conclusions were reached and relationships strengthened, the BIA proved yet again the value of timely, well-informed and constructive conversation.

The next conference will be held from 7-9 September 2012. Attendance is by invitation. For more information please contact us.