Comments
A peace process still strong
2009-03-09 08:21:05
'Saturday August 15 1998 (holiday, Flassan)
Wendy Abbs [Downing Street duty clerk] came through on the other line to say there had been a huge explosion in Omagh, 12 thought to be dead, the PM was just being told, having just arrived at the house in France ... I asked her to fix a conference call ... As we spoke, reports were coming in that the death toll may be higher and all the ease that had been in TB's voice at the start was gone. I said he would have to do TV straight away ... I said we had to get over that the peace process is bigger than a group of fanatics who want to derail it. TB weighed in, saying we had to be making clear every peace process always faced disruption from people who wanted to destroy it. This was the last resistance and if we saw it off with public opinion there totally on our side, it could be another turning point. But how we react will dictate that.'
I thought of that exchange yesterday when I heard the news of the two soldiers killed in Nothern Ireland. The attack was brutal and a dreadful tragedy for the soldiers killed and others who were injured. For a small number of families, it was a horrible life-changing event. But for the peace process, the reaction from politicians and public indicated its strength not its weakness.
I had been talking about Northern Ireland at a Labour fundraiser on Friday night when in the q and a I was asked what I thought the Blair government should be proudest of. Northern Ireland figured very high in the list. I've said before that for me the single greatest moment of my time with TB was when we got onto a small plane in Belfast having, after several days and nights of intense negotiation, finally secured the Good Friday Agreement. As TB said at the time, it was only the first step, but it was a huge one, and with all the obstacles along the way since, it paved the way for a truly transformed Northern Ireland, one of his many contributions to history.
There was a bit of complaint on the Unionist side yesterday that Sinn Fein were not straight out of the blocks with a condemnation of the weekend killings. But Sinn Fein politics remains complicated, and as TB memorably said on another occasion in The Blair Years, Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness go about their business with a modicum of fear that someone might come along and blow their brains out. Their words, when they came, underlined just how far we have come. They were words of clear condemnation, words of attack on people who simply do not want peace to work, words of warning that the attacks were not just wrong, but counterproductive.
There was a time, under Mrs Thatcher's government, when Sinn Fein interviews had to be dubbed with the voice of actors because they were banned from carrying their message on TV. I always felt that was counterproductive, and what I heard from Adams and McGuinness yesterday was a clear, strong voice that told of phenomenal progreess in the decade since Omagh.
Back then, we had to work hard on Bill Clinton and his US officials to make sure they put pressure on Sinn Fein to make the right noises about the bombers being divorced from where the majority Republican opinion lay. Yesterday it happened without such pressure. 'TB said there will be obstacles along the way but the forces of good have to prevail,' I recorded in the diaries. And when he visited Omagh in the immediate aftermath, the message came back from victims, their families and ordinary members of the public 'don't give up.'
It was the same when we went there a few days later with Bill Clinton who, right at the height of the Lewinsky affair, got a huge emotional lift from the warmth of the response when he spoke to a huge crowd in Armagh of why the peace process was so important to him, and why it was too strong to be broken.
Progress in Northern Ireland was the result of bold leadership, commitment from a lot of different people for often very different reasons, hard work and an attitude that says whatever is thrown at you, you just keep going. These latest murders go down as 'obstacles along the way' but what is clear from the way people have reacted is that the forces of good are continuing to prevail.
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First ladies watch out for Japanese bombshellPublish date: 2009-09-03 10:47:19
TV debate - good idea in theory, but ...Publish date: 2009-09-02 15:37:43
'No worries' - the new response to thanksPublish date: 2009-09-01 12:25:19
Tremors of Japanese political earthquake will be felt far and widePublish date: 2009-08-30 15:50:54
Pressure on Ed Miliband can help get a climate change dealPublish date: 2009-08-28 13:39:08
Why Tories and media cannot stomach GCSE success storyPublish date: 2009-08-27 16:03:34
Exposing the absurdity of Chris GraylingPublish date: 2009-08-26 13:20:19
Joy and beauty and a night of magicPublish date: 2009-08-20 10:55:11
Twitter NHS backlash good for ObamaPublish date: 2009-08-14 15:44:49
A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
John Dawson
2009-03-25 11:39:55Dear Mr Campbell
I am sure you still carry some influence within the Labour Party, that I so desperately want to believe in. However I do feel the present Tory opposition have stole a march on them with public opinion and they are not fighting back. To win the next election Labour has to fight dirty. Cameron is a double glazing salesman who has got his foot in the door with the help of slick presentation aided by powerful backers in the media. He needs to be exposed for the cheap skate lying individual he is. He has a second agenda that no one will get to hear about until he is safe with a majority and it will be a disaster for the millions of ordinary working people and families in this country who have benefited so much from the present government. I work with and represent many of them, unlike the chattering middle classes they will not be able to tighten their belts a little while all the benefits of 12 years of Labour are withdrawn or watered down considerably.
I recently received an e-mail from an organisation called Unions Together, which was attacking Cameron with a petition to expose him for the fraud he is. At last I thought, someone is starting an aggressive campaign against them but as a member of the Labour Party I want to see an equally aggressive campaign being mounted from the top of the party. Being nice will not get us elected, Cameron's Tories need to be exposed and forced into a corner. As you are probably well aware mud does stick. For example, Working Families Tax Credit, has been a godsend to ordinary people, many people need this money and will have considerable problems without it. Education, Health, Transport will all feel the cold wind of the swinging axe. Lets mount a vigorous campaign to expose them tell people these are all in danger under the Tories.
Tell the Labour Party to stop being nice and get nasty. The ordinary less privileged people of Britain need them more then ever at the moment.
Andrewnze
2009-03-10 03:01:36Alistair Do you miss front line Politics? being in the mix of things?
rusty Gladdish
2009-03-10 01:02:35They have shot a policeman in Northern Ireland two days after the army barracks shooting. Clearly the work of the same dissidents. This is not good news but they must stay strong!!!
Trevor Moss
2009-03-09 15:11:24Your comment on early retirement - and not feeling pressure to go for the next project. Being a project-driven animal - ('vol sector/ set it up and let it loose type') - I was derailed by ill- health aged 57 in 2007 after fighting epilepsy since I was 18. I lost my home first. The savings/pensions went next - my income is down to 33% of Oct 2007. I moved from UK to Germany to be with my partner and now carer. The governance 'old boy, connections' kleptocracy in public and private sectors in UK needs complete- complete reform. Commonsense/no nonsense thinking, combined with innate curiosity and absolute commitment to truth and honesty is a personal requirement for Fit and Proper persons to take this role. We need a register of such qualified people - and this is place for those who are 'out of play' earlier in life. (Excluding 'fat cats'?)......T.
Alina Palimaru
2009-03-09 14:43:40Alastair, your optimistic outlook, dismissing these acts as mere obstacles, is needed at the moment. From what I gather from a few reactions I heard in the U.S. coverage, some hint at the old British quip that every time the Irish Question is thought to be solved the Irish change the question. Hopefully, as you suggest, this is not the case. I hope the shooting is not indicative of any latent bitterness.
The peace agreement credited to TB's account was very wise, carefully addressing the issue of nationhood and allowing the people of Northern Ireland to envision their status in any way they wanted. It would be a shame to set the process back.
Dissertation Student
2009-03-09 14:35:49I have been exploring the historic claim of the press as an empowered and independent Fourth Estate for about 5 months now. Part of my investigation involved deconstructing the influence of Public Relations as an undermining force of journalist autonomy and reliability. As an individual that has uniquely experienced both sides of this debate, and published you opinion on the topic, how would you react to this statement.
Any insight that you could shed would be would be greatly appreciated.
Yours Sincerely, Ben
ian.eastwood
2009-03-09 14:01:13Dear Alastair.
Something to think about in football.
After returning from the wonderful stadium they call the The Emirates and what a piece of engineering it really is. But I can’t help but wonder what is happening to the game we love.
As I often do I saw you Cheering on the team you have followed like me, and my son of 18 who saw is first game at 3, for over forty years. God knows how many miles I have travelled to watch the Clarets. It’s a 150 mile round trip now just to watch the home games.
I am now approaching my 50th birthday in November, and I have seen a lot of changes in this time. But it saddens me what I have experienced on our travels in the great cup run we have enjoyed this season.
I am of course talking about the sterilisation of so called top flight premier division football. We have been to the 3 top grounds in London this season Arsenal, Chelsea and spurs. I believe the corporate pound have to a large extent ruined these great clubs.
We arrived at Arsenal yesterday found a car park on a school playground at a cost of £20.00 (along way from the parking fee on the cricket field,) but so be it. I asked the attendant if we were near the away end, he looked at me quizzically and said “it doesn’t matter you can walk all the way round.” All the way round I thought, years ago would I have wanted or dared walk all the way round Highbury or anywhere near the shed end at Chelsea? Not on your Nelly. Now I an not advocating for one minuet a return to the days of mindless violence and having to run for your lives as you left the grounds, But when visiting away grounds you are supposed to feel intimidated it’s the LAW. I don’t know about your day yesterday but it felt like visiting madam Tusords or the London eye, more like a tourist attraction than a gladiator’s arena.
I know that not all grounds are like that and there are still plenty of clubs were it’s not always a good idea to nail your colours to the mast, and maybe I look back thru rose tinted glasses at the away days at Leeds on boxing day being chased, getting a size ten Doc martin up my arse and missing my coach home in the 70s etc. But I know what will stick in my mind the longest and I won’t be Arsenal. Even if we had won.
With any luck Burnley will return to the top flight soon, and I will still follow the team what ever happens from 1st division down to the 4th and back my son will make sure of that.
And when we do get there I hope there are still some grounds left that when the players take to the pitch the atmosphere makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Maybe St James’s, Upton Park, Can’t think of many more. Back to the emirates not sure been there seen it and almost got the T shirt.
Ian Eastwood.
imeclaret@btinternet.com
Tony Schröder
2009-03-09 14:01:12Dear Mr Campbell
I have just read your excellent article on education. Two small points. If Chris Woodhead was so bad - always harping on about the "state promotion of mediocrity for years", why didn't the Labour government sack him? You would have had my, and I suspect many others, full support.
Second point:To use the [Spanish] cedilla; From the Menu Bar (at the top of your word-processor), simply select Insert, - then select Symbol. (All the foreign language characters are here and readily available.) Alternatively, enlist on a word-processing course.
Yours sincerely.
Mr A Schröder.
Johnny Mills
2009-03-09 12:14:09The tragic incident at the weekend is actually a sign that the peace process is working. The Government needs to ensure that both sides of the political/religious divide remain united in their common goal. The will of the people must win the day.
My one fear is that the current economic situation, coupled with (unfounded) immigration issues breeds a new type of 'angry young man', who can be easily led by the extremist factions. History shows us this is often the case.
Student for dissertation
2009-03-09 11:09:58When Tony Blair said the hand of history was on his shoulder, was that planned, or was it, like you say in your book, an accident?
Rosie
2009-03-09 11:02:22I was on holiday in Italy at the time of the bombing and watched endless coverage on Sky. There were three middle aged ladies from Belfast staying at the same hotel, and they said that despite all the efforts of various politicians, they didn't think there was any possibility of peace in their lifetimes.. Peace was all that the various communities craved, but they didn't see that the fanatics could ever be persuaded to give up their arms.
I still think of them now. I bet they're so glad to have been proved so wrong!
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