Bushmills Peace Group set off to Parliament Buildings

On their arrival Dermott, who proved to be a very informative and considerate guide, organized a welcome coffee break which gave an opportunity to study, from the fine Banqueting Hall on the first floor, the breath taking views of the magnificent avenue, beautiful grounds and the city of Belfast, all bathed in sunshine.

Although the original grand design, funded by the Westminster Parliament, was never completed, the building with its classical Greek architecture, finest Italian marble, chandeliers, beautiful ceilings and wonderful wood panelling is, nevertheless, magnificent. Symmetry is a key concept in the beautiful proportions of the building, especially where the patterns of the ceiling in the Great Hall are mirrored in the patterns on the wooden floor.

The two chambers were then visited: the original red Senate chamber, made up of furnishings from many parts of the then Empire, and the blue Assembly chamber, modernised since the fire in 1995, and familiar, as parliamentary proceedings are broadcast from there.

The only symbol in the chamber, woven into the blue carpet, is the flax flower and its six blossoms representing the six counties working together as one.

"Sharing" and "symmetry" were two key concepts of the day and so it was fitting that the group should be addressed, on the theme of "a shared future", by two politicians of opposing political ideals: Mr.Mervyn Storey from the DUP and Mr. Daithi McKay, Sinn Fein.

Both politicians pointed out how far the political situation in the province had progressed over the last 20 years, and, although the media latch on to dissension, Mr Storey maintained that there are many examples of their working together for the benefit of the community.

Both agreed on the need for mutual respect, openness, toleration and compromise while recognising that there are still many challenges ahead.

Mr. McKay commended Bushmills Peace Group for its "shared present" and stressed the importance of encouraging young people to be open-minded. Both politicians saw themselves as servants of their electorate and, standing side by side, responded honestly and, at times, with humour, to questions. The Group would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Mr. Storey and Mr. McKay for giving up their Saturday to share, together, their ideas of a shared future.

After lunch in the Stormont Hotel where they were privileged to have Father Charles, from Malawi, ask a blessing, the Group, tired and with much to think about, sat back to enjoy the countryside which was looking green and lovely as they travelled back to the north coast..

Bushmills Peace Group would like to thank Moyle Council for their generous grant of 250 towards the trip and to express their appreciation to Richard, the coach driver, and to Carol, Eamon, Rose and Pat for arranging such a stimulating outing which left them with hope for the future of this beautiful land they share.

Bushmills Peace Group wish everyone a happy and peaceful summer.