A new online resource aims to provide space for debate about Ireland's constitutional future.
The initiative from University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies has support from parties across the spectrum and will seek to reflect both pro-unity and pro-union voices.
The platform has been developed by the institute's director, Professor Peter Shirlow, in conjunction with inter-community initiative Civic Space, and features multimedia, comment and discussion from the public as well as leaders and influencers, including Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald and Stormont health minister Robin Swann.
"This digital platform broadens the debate and shows that within both perspectives there are robust and evidenced arguments for constitutional change or otherwise," Prof Shirlow said.
“It highlights how the Good Friday Agreement shifted society into an acknowledgement of co-dependency in terms of the future, a capacity to debate across the divide and, more importantly, to be heard."
The new platform, which will be continually added to and developed, already boasts 20 podcasts, 80 blogs, videos and policy papers, 30 voxpops featuring citizens throughout the island, as well as two animations representing the differing perspectives.
It includes Ireland’s Future, Shared Ireland Podcast and pro-Union voices.
Its launch has been welcomed by a range of politicians, including SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, his UUP counterpart Steve Aiken and Sinn Féin national chairperson and junior minister Declan Kearney.
“Our aim is to locate voices and opinions, and to present differing perspectives side by side," Prof Shirlow said.
“In doing so, we get beyond rudimentary ideas about the future and show the depth and reasoned commitment of both views. Ultimately, we hope to facilitate a capacity to listen, and for each perspective to understand commitment to dialogue.”
Find out more at www.liverpool.ac.uk/irish-studies/civic-space/.
