Comments on: “but actually the grassroots hasn’t been engaged in it..”

By: Nevin

Nevin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:47:29 +0000

It’s a pity that Co-operation North didn’t move with the times and become Co-operation UK and Ireland. This would have reflected the UK and Irish dimensions of the 1998 Agreement.

By: cynic

cynic — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:48:23 +0000

Pete

I agree on the civilization comment and will go further.

One mark of civilization is being able to talk to your neighbour (be it across a border or peace wall) rather than stand on your side and shout ‘No’.

A second is how you behave in your own home and life and here some of our local politicians (and perhaps the rest of us) need to be politically house trained as well as civilized, judging by recent political developments and the posturing we have seen.

Positions ranging from ‘I will take my ball home if I am not allowed to score a goal’ through ‘Yah, Yah your gay’ to politically pissing on the border and shouting ‘Stay out of Ulster’s affairs’ to well-intentioned neighbours are more suited to the playground than a mature society, never mind a civilized one.

Still I remain hopeful that we can move them on from the current Eastenders-type script to something more akin to Shakespeare – still simmering with political intrigue and sub-plots but done in a much more sophisticated way (and with more sex).

And that from a Cynic!

By: cynic

cynic — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:34:41 +0000

“such pearls of wisdom”

Billie Joe

I agree but for readers of the Belfast newspapers perhaps he can tone it down a bit so they understand the significance

By: Pete Baker

Pete Baker — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:14:33 +0000

For what it’s worth, Raven..

I’m sceptical not cynical..

By: The Raven

The Raven — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:09:07 +0000

Pete….do you mean, like, knives and forks? Indoor toilets and such like…??

Bit ambitious, aren’t you…??

By: Pete Baker

Pete Baker — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:51:00 +0000

No doubt, Raven.

The important point being the overall adoption of that process of civilisation, not any particular organisation’s role in it.

By: The Raven

The Raven — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:43:17 +0000

Pete, I have no doubt there is role for that particular organisation. Though you’d have to admit, it will take quite a change from (what was always incorrectly viewed as) the “softer” side of p+r work that is pure cross-border.

Jilly Boe Unremarkable. I wonder, could you clarify what you mean by “gravy train” when it comes to this organisation? Perhaps you are au fait with Cooperation Ireland? Could you tell us a bit more about it, or indeed which aspect of what they do is worthy of “gravy train”?

By: Pete Baker

Pete Baker — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:16:12 +0000

Not that they all haven't acknowledged it, btw.

By: Pete Baker

Pete Baker — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:13:38 +0000

So bJ, you have a problem with his apparently situational choice of metaphor.

And on the substance of the post?

Raven

It might still be a difficult role unless the politicians involved also acknowledge the need for that process of civilisation.

By: billie-Joe Remarkable

billie-Joe Remarkable — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:44:45 +0000

Ooh, he’s very deep isn’t he? That table metaphor. Like, wow!

He deserves a few years on the Gravy Train if he’s going to enlighten us with such pearls of wisdom.

By: The Raven

The Raven — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:42:50 +0000

An excellent piece.

Cooperation Ireland was (as Cooperation North) one of the foremost proponents of cross-border cooperation. It has struggled in the past few years to find a role, but I think under new stewardship and diversification into “north/north” work as well as its core business, some of that expertise will be well used.

I wish him luck.