People 'doing it for themselves'

I had a great week in Belfast recently delivering Advanced Team-Teach Tutor training for the Northern Ireland Education Authority.

Now, as my grandfather (who was born and raised in Mulligar and Dublin in the Republic) used to warn me about sharing views on either religion or politics when discussing Ireland I will make sure I do nothing of the sort here...

However, to put this into context, it is 18 months since devolved government in Northern Ireland collapsed. I was wondering (before this, my first trip to the North) how has the lack of a Northern Ireland Executive and assembly affected life there, and what impact has that had on the view of a positive future? More than anything, the assembly was supposed to bring together republicans and unionists in a project of common purpose; had the collapse of shared government impacted on the wider shared purpose?

The assembly took on a host of legislative responsibilities, from economic development, to health and, importantly for me, education. I was curious as to how decisions (for example; to employ us to provide training) were taken and what effect the lack of government was having on the education of the learners - especially those with Special Educational Needs - and the welfare of the teachers and support staff. My concerns didn't last long after meeting the education professionals from across Northern Ireland; they may be dealing with some restrictions but that is having no impact on their determination to do the absolute best for their special learners...

First thing's first; Belfast is a beautiful, vibrant and entertaining city and every person I met there was above just friendly, they were genuinely warm and caring. I was a little taken aback by the positive attitude of every person I met on my travels to the political landscape they have been left with. These are people who see past the 'divides' and are truly 'doing it for themselves' - not one mention of party politics, no mention of a clash of religious views, just a steely determination to get on with what needs to be done...and getting it done!

At every turn, whether it was the 'magnificent 10' from the education world who we had the real pleasure of spending the week with (who were all lovely, warm, ultra professional - and funny!) to those of all ages I met as I explored the city (and bars) of Belfast; it is the people who are showing the way forward and demonstrating day after day what the future WILL look like. I just hope the politicians can find a way of following the people they represent.

Cheers!