Province can have conflict resolution role, says Mallon
Northern Ireland could carve out a role for itself internationally by helping nations overcome conflict, Stormont Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon insisted today.
Mr Mallon, who is in Paris on the first leg of a tour of France and Germany with the First Minister David Trimble and Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey, said he would like to see the province use its experience of conflict resolution to inspire others.
The SDLP deputy leader told a briefing of French journalists and Paris-based correspondents that the Executive wanted to develop the devolved administration in a ‘‘more imaginative, more creative and more dynamic way’’ on the world stage.
‘‘We want to look at the role of Northern Ireland and what is our role? Is it just to hang on? Is it just there to get the status of a worthy cause?’’ he asked.
‘‘I think we have a bigger role to play and I see that role within the EU where we can apply our experiences to other countries which have had divisions like ours.
‘‘There is a very distinct niche for Northern Ireland - not just in Europe but in other places too - and to lose that experience and the lessons of those experiences would, I think, be a mistake.
‘‘I would like to see that developing to give us a more substantial role in Europe rather than having the situation of Northern Ireland producing just a begging bowl every time it is in Brussels.’’
Mr Mallon was speaking ahead of a meeting between the Northern Ireland Executive and the French President, Jacques Chirac later today.
It is the first time the First and Deputy First Ministers have met a European head of state and they are expected to brief him on developments in the peace process.
With speculation continuing that talks aimed at resolving the difficulties in the peace process are close to a deal, First Minister Trimble stressed the ‘‘considerable progress’’ that had been made by the province’s politicians in recent years.
‘‘In terms of the issues we have still to deal with, we are getting closer to the end of that process,’’ the Ulster Unionist leader said.
‘‘Yes, we are still waiting for progress on some issues from the paramilitary organisations but we are optimistic that that will come and will come in the not so distant future.’’
The ministerial team began their day with a breakfast meeting with the British Ambassador to France, Sir Michael Jay.
Mr Trimble, Mr Mallon and Sir Reg Empey will also address a conference on the Northern Ireland economy organised by the Industrial Development Board and France’s leading business organisation, MEDEF.
The conference will involve leading industrialists and French Government ministers.
Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey said the delegation was anxious to impress on European politicians and business people that the province was serious about developing trade links.
‘‘Nobody owes Northern Ireland a living, so we are trying to compete with all the other European regions and we have a good product to sell,’’ he said.
‘‘We are no longer coming with a begging bowl. We are here with sound ideas for sound investments.’’
The delegation will conclude the Paris leg of their visit later today with a dinner hosted by the British Ambassador to France and his Irish counterpart, Pat O’Connor.
