Latest news with #Good Friday Agreement
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Time capsule reveals McGuinness and Ahern's hopes for the future
The world - and Northern Ireland- was a very different place when Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness and Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Bertie Ahern placed letters inside a time capsule to mark the 50th anniversary of the Creggan estate. No internet, no smart phones and no peace, given the wooden box, held at Creggan Library, was padlocked shut on 23 January 1998 in Londonderry - less than three months before the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Now, the time capsule has been opened as part of this year's Derry Feile, giving an insight into the ongoing peace process in which both men played major roles. In his letter, McGuinness, then Sinn Féin's chief negotiator in peace talks, wrote of his hopes for "peace for all the children of this island". In the letter dated 24 December 1997, McGuiness wrote that the early months of 1998 would be a "crucial period in Ireland's history", adding the "task ahead is an awesome one". On 10 April 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was signed. The deal brought an end to 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles. Ahern became taoiseach (Irish prime minister) in June 1997. His letter to the people of Creggan also ponders the political climate of the time. "As I write this, Northern Ireland is at a cross-roads as we try to forge a peaceful future based on equality and respect," he wrote. Snapshot of community life Alongside artefacts from prominent politicians, the capsule provided local people with a way of capturing a snapshot of their community as it celebrated the anniversary. Countless sealed letters written by local school children and by people from Creggan, magazine clippings, maps, and school projects were also revealed. The capsule also contained newspapers from the time, including the Derry Journal and Irish News, videos of Creggan, and a recording of BBC Radio Foyle's Michael Bradley presenting a special programme to mark Creggan's milestone. It was opened on Friday at Creggan Library, its home for the last 25 years. Inside was also a letter written by Creggan resident Philomena McLaughlin. She worked with Creggan Parents and Toddlers and the local women's group. The letter, she told BBC News NI, was a late addition to the capsule, written and placed inside on the day the box was sealed shut. On Friday, she read again the words she penned a quarter of a century ago. In her letter she wrote of her pride in her community, her hopes and aspirations for her three children. She told BBC News NI it was "strange and emotional" to read her 1998 letter again. "We are in a better place now than what we were. It is not perfect but it is better, housing and employment are still issues, but we are no different here than anywhere else. "But our children are a lot safer on the streets. Creggan is only on the up as far as I can see," she said. The library's manager Glen Foley said it has been "a real privilege for Creggan Library to look after this community time capsule for more than 25 years". "There was great interest in the opening, and it was fascinating to finally uncover the items inside and take a moment to reflect on what life was like then – and how much has changed," he said. He added:'The contents will be on display in Creggan Library until 29 August, when we'll be adding a new chapter to the capsule as part of our Big Summer Read finale event, before resealing it until 2050.' Seaweed pizza and bugs - kids predict culinary delights of the future What is the Good Friday Agreement? Obituary: Martin McGuinness
BBC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Derry time capsule reveals McGuinness and Ahearn's hopes for peace
The world - and Northern Ireland- was a very different place when Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness and Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Bertie Ahern placed letters inside a time capsule to mark the 50th anniversary of the Creggan internet, no smart phones and no peace, given the wooden box, held at Creggan Library, was padlocked shut on 23 January 1998 in Londonderry - less than three months before the signing of the Good Friday the time capsule has been opened as part of this year's Derry Feile, giving an insight into the ongoing peace process in which both men played major his letter, McGuinness, then Sinn Féin's chief negotiator in peace talks, wrote of his hopes for "peace for all the children of this island". In the letter dated 24 December 1997, McGuiness wrote that the early months of 1998 would be a "crucial period in Ireland's history", adding the "task ahead is an awesome one".On 10 April 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was deal brought an end to 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles. Ahern became taoiseach (Irish prime minister) in June letter to the people of Creggan also ponders the political climate of the time."As I write this, Northern Ireland is at a cross-roads as we try to forge a peaceful future based on equality and respect," he wrote. Snapshot of community life Alongside artefacts from prominent politicians, the capsule provided local people with a way of capturing a snapshot of their community as it celebrated the sealed letters written by local school children and by people from Creggan, magazine clippings, maps, and school projects were also capsule also contained newspapers from the time, including the Derry Journal and Irish News, videos of Creggan, and a recording of BBC Radio Foyle's Michael Bradley presenting a special programme to mark Creggan's was opened on Friday at Creggan Library, its home for the last 25 years. Inside was also a letter written by Creggan resident Philomena worked with Creggan Parents and Toddlers and the local women's group. The letter, she told BBC News NI, was a late addition to the capsule, written and placed inside on the day the box was sealed Friday, she read again the words she penned a quarter of a century her letter she wrote of her pride in her community, her hopes and aspirations for her three told BBC News NI it was "strange and emotional" to read her 1998 letter again. "We are in a better place now than what we were. It is not perfect but it is better, housing and employment are still issues, but we are no different here than anywhere else."But our children are a lot safer on the streets. Creggan is only on the up as far as I can see," she said. The library's manager Glen Foley said it has been "a real privilege for Creggan Library to look after this community time capsule for more than 25 years"."There was great interest in the opening, and it was fascinating to finally uncover the items inside and take a moment to reflect on what life was like then – and how much has changed," he added:'The contents will be on display in Creggan Library until 29 August, when we'll be adding a new chapter to the capsule as part of our Big Summer Read finale event, before resealing it until 2050.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Peace in Northern Ireland to inspire high-level summit on Western Balkans
It is hoped Northern Ireland's peace process will inspire lasting reconciliation in the Western Balkans during a high-level summit later this year. Foreign Secretary David Lammy will host 15 European ministers at Hillsborough Castle for talks as the region faces growing threats from instability, corruption and criminal gangs which also compromise UK security. The local legacy of peace-building will be drawn on to champion diplomacy and reconciliation among Western Balkans countries. The castle previously played host to vital moments in UK and Irish politics, including intense negotiations which salvaged peace talks from the brink of collapse, forging the way for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Mr Lammy said Hillsborough Castle was a poignant reminder of the power of diplomacy to transform conflict and division into long-term peace and co-operation. 'By harnessing Northern Ireland's experience, we hope to support partners in the Western Balkans to overcome the challenges of the past through meaningful reconciliation and help build a safe and prosperous future,' he said. 'As part of the plan for change, this Government is committed to strengthening partnerships with Europe, ensuring strong foundations of economic stability, secure borders and national security.' Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said the region was a legacy of hope. 'Northern Ireland's experience of securing peace through the Good Friday Agreement after decades of conflict has set a powerful example of reconciliation to the world,' he said. 'This provides a legacy of hope as well as practical experience which I believe will prove invaluable to our Western Balkans partners as they travel a similar path to peace and prosperity. 'As a long-standing forum for peace-building and politics, it is fitting that Hillsborough Castle has been chosen to host this significant international event.' Laura McCorry, head of Hillsborough Castle, added: 'For centuries, Hillsborough Castle has been a place where people come together to shape a shared future. 'The castle stands as a living testament to the power of dialogue and reconciliation in a place where peace has been hard won. 'We hope it will provide an inspiring setting for the meeting and look forward to hosting the ministers this autumn.' The summit will take place while the UK continues a role in security in Kosovo where it has maintained a presence through Nato's KFOR mission since 1999. Since the election last year, the UK has stepped up engagement with Western Balkans countries to deliver on the plan for change, including breaking people smuggling networks exploiting the region as a gateway to Europe. According to the Government, during 2024 alone, more than 55,000 people were trafficked to other countries along routes through the Western Balkans. A joint agreement on organised immigration crime was signed with Serbia during Mr Lammy's visit to the region in April, when he also visited Kosovo. The Foreign Secretary also visited Bosnia and Herzegovina in May amid political instability in the country, part of the UK's increased activity and engagement in the Western Balkans.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Peace in Northern Ireland to inspire high-level summit on Western Balkans
It is hoped Northern Ireland's peace process will inspire lasting reconciliation in the Western Balkans during a high-level summit later this year. Foreign Secretary David Lammy will host 15 European ministers at Hillsborough Castle for talks as the region faces growing threats from instability, corruption and criminal gangs which also compromise UK security. The local legacy of peace-building will be drawn on to champion diplomacy and reconciliation among Western Balkans countries. The castle previously played host to vital moments in UK and Irish politics, including intense negotiations which salvaged peace talks from the brink of collapse, forging the way for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Mr Lammy said Hillsborough Castle was a poignant reminder of the power of diplomacy to transform conflict and division into long-term peace and co-operation. 'By harnessing Northern Ireland's experience, we hope to support partners in the Western Balkans to overcome the challenges of the past through meaningful reconciliation and help build a safe and prosperous future,' he said. 'As part of the plan for change, this Government is committed to strengthening partnerships with Europe, ensuring strong foundations of economic stability, secure borders and national security.' Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said the region was a legacy of hope. 'Northern Ireland's experience of securing peace through the Good Friday Agreement after decades of conflict has set a powerful example of reconciliation to the world,' he said. 'This provides a legacy of hope as well as practical experience which I believe will prove invaluable to our Western Balkans partners as they travel a similar path to peace and prosperity. 'As a long-standing forum for peace-building and politics, it is fitting that Hillsborough Castle has been chosen to host this significant international event.' Laura McCorry, head of Hillsborough Castle, added: 'For centuries, Hillsborough Castle has been a place where people come together to shape a shared future. 'The castle stands as a living testament to the power of dialogue and reconciliation in a place where peace has been hard won. 'We hope it will provide an inspiring setting for the meeting and look forward to hosting the ministers this autumn.' The summit will take place while the UK continues a role in security in Kosovo where it has maintained a presence through Nato's KFOR mission since 1999. Since the election last year, the UK has stepped up engagement with Western Balkans countries to deliver on the plan for change, including breaking people smuggling networks exploiting the region as a gateway to Europe. According to the Government, during 2024 alone, more than 55,000 people were trafficked to other countries along routes through the Western Balkans. A joint agreement on organised immigration crime was signed with Serbia during Mr Lammy's visit to the region in April, when he also visited Kosovo. The Foreign Secretary also visited Bosnia and Herzegovina in May amid political instability in the country, part of the UK's increased activity and engagement in the Western Balkans.
