Newry, Mourne and Down Councillors Discuss ‘Challenging Conversations’

Newry, Mourne and Down Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin, along with other cross-party councillors, met with Twaddell Ardoyne Shankill Communities in Transition (TASCIT) partnership for a question time called ‘Challenging Conversations’.

The event, which took place on Wednesday 27 February in the Council Chamber, Newry, was an opportunity for TASCIT members to find out about the councillors’ personal experiences of the Troubles and gain a wider perspective on how contentious issues and matters are dealt with in Newry, Mourne and Down, especially in the border city of Newry.

The focal point of TASCIT’s work surrounds the peace walls and barriers in North Belfast, seeking to build confidence amongst those residents most affected by them, and increasing cross-community contact. Prior to the event in Newry, TASCIT delivered a ‘Challenging Conversations’ course to help people raise awareness and understanding of each other’s identity politics and cultural heritage while having a sustained dialogue on the issues of Northern Ireland’s shared and divided history, identity and culture.

Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “The work carried out by TASCIT brings everyone a step closer to achieving a peaceful future, promoting interaction and changing the status quo of our wider community.

“The Council recognises that it is essential for all our citizens to engage in inter-community relations, and therefore works closely with our community partners to organise and support events and social activities that enables cross community interaction to ultimately build trust and secure a bright future for our children.

“Local government in Northern Ireland continues to work towards better community relations through positive working partnerships with all political parties.”

The ‘Challenging Conversations’ course was funded by The Executive Office, through the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Strategy, and delivered by the TASCIT partnership.