THE broad spectrum of unionism appears cautiously optimistic that yesterday’s forum will lead to greater peace and prosperity in predominantly Protestant areas.
One of those who described the gathering as “a good start” was Councillor John Kyle. The PUP representative said the working groups established by the forum would be judged by their results.
“I think it was sensible, serious and there was a sense of urgency. People realised that they needed to do something,” he said.
Cllr Kyle said everyone was aware of the need not to raise expectations but added: “There was considerable agreement around the table so I think that’s a pretty good start.”
East Belfast community worker Jim Wilson said the initial meeting of the forum would lead to a wider consultation in the community.
“The whole idea is to get as many representatives there as we can and then go back into our communities and create the groups that need to be set up,” he said. “We will be talking about education and a lack of housing later on, but at present our overriding issue is to try to stop the violence on the streets.”
DUP Policing Board member Jonathan Craig described the new forum as the “only credible avenue” for addressing concerns surrounding culture and identity.
The Lagan Valley MLA said people were free to protest but added: “Any person claiming that a continuation of street protests will see the decision of Belfast City Council pertaining to the Union Flag reversed is being untruthful.
“The vast majority of street protests have been peaceful and the Chief Constable acknowledged that, however, it is clear that some sinister elements are determined to use protests as an excuse for violence. That is wrong and cannot be tolerated.”
TUV leader Jim Allister was unable to attend the Stormont meeting personally due to a prior engagement but said he did “not have high expectations” of the forum. “The problem with this forum, as I see it, is the elephant in the room which most participants will not want to address. I refer to the fact that the key participants are those who sustain in office the very party, Sinn Fein, whose aggressive cultural war has led to the present crisis,” he said.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland welcomed the opportunity to participate in the forum. In a statement it said: “All strands of unionism now have a real and tangible vehicle to work together on issues of common concern. We must not miss this opportunity for constructive co-operation.”
However, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said that all politicians should be working on behalf of everybody and not engaging in “tribal” politics.
He said: “Somebody should remind Peter Robinson that he is the First Minister for Northern Ireland and not just the First Minister of unionism. Mike Nesbitt by co-chairing this group must admit that he has given up on his attempt to make the UUP appeal to all people and not just unionists.”
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell has written to the unionist leaders to express reservations about the narrow nature of the discussions.
“Issues of identity, flags, symbols and emblems, political and cultural identity are best assessed and resolved through an inclusive process,” he said.
The NI Conservatives have said the vast majority of people are fed up with the protests and disruption, and also called for a wider engagement than the Unionist Forum.
Sinn Féin’s John O’Dowd said: “Unionists talking to themselves will not solve the problem of mutual respect for people’s national identity and culture.
“Unionism needs to face the reality that the North has changed and will continue to change. Any attempts to hark back to a one-sided past will only sow more confusion among unionists and loyalists.”