Mr McGuinness is making the key note speech at the Association’s annual conference which is being held in Cambridge. The theme of the conference is ‘Building on Political Agreement- Towards a Shared Future.’
“The work that we have undertaken since May 8th has been driven forward by the overwhelming mandate we have received from the ordinary people,” he will say.
“Their voice and their votes have been the vital catalyst. It is the people, not the sceptics and the cynics, whose verdict on us matters.”
In the course of his address Mr McGuinness will say the word that encapsulated his feelings as he looked forward was Hope.
“Hope that we can move forward together to tackle the issues which historically divided our society .
“Hope that we can defeat the scourges of sectarianism and racism.
“Hope that we can continue to eradicate the conditions and misguided mindsets which unfortunately still exist and which have produced intolerable incidents where we recently saw a new born baby’s life put in danger when its parents’ home was attacked.
“I know it will not be an overnight transition and there will be those who believe to transform our society is impossible. But we must continue to nurture that hope rather than the despair which is the alternative.
“Because it is difficult to change we should not fail in our determination to do so."
He will also tell the Association that he hoped that the positive work on the
peace process in Ireland could help in the development of similar work in other parts of the world.
Notes to Editors:
The BIA was founded in 1972 and is a registered educational charity. The primary focus has been the resolution of conflict and the overcoming of divisions.
The BIA is governed by an executive committee, which is appointed at the Annual General Meeting. Membership of the Committee is drawn from the UK and Ireland. Meetings are held in London, Dublin and Belfast.
Every September the Association holds a three-day private conference, usually in either Oxford or Cambridge. It is a gathering of over 100 key people with a close interest and involvement in British Irish affairs.
For media enquiries contact Paddy Cullen 07850187134. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
