Crossing the Divide: Community Relations in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Despite the elusiveness of a `solution' to the Northern Ireland problem, either politically or militarily, many public policy issues (education, housing, employment) have been re-examined to address the underlying causes of divisiveness between the two communities. This article looks at the contributions of one such policy initiative, a `bottom-up' community-based approach to peace under the auspices of local authorities. Qualitative evidence from those charged with implementing a community relations programme is analysed and an initial assessment of its impact offered.