Prominent Irish, American, British political experts to discuss Irish peace process at April 20 forum

Prominent Irish, American, British political experts to discuss Irish peace process at April 20 forumApril 19, 2006Jaclyn D. Grossojgrosso@law.syr.edu

Experts on the political situation in Northern Ireland are coming to Syracuse University College of Law April 20 to participate in the “Irish Peace Forum–The Way Forward,” from 4-6 p.m. in Room 104 of MacNaughton Hall. The discussion will focus on the need for peace and justice in Northern Ireland and how political parties can work together to achieve this goal. It will also offer the audience an opportunity to interact with some leading experts on Northern Ireland’s political division, known as the Troubles. Public parking is available in Irving Garage.

Participants in the forum include Congressman James Walsh (R-NY); John O’Dowd, chair of the Upper Bann Sinn Fein; and Anne Porter, director of the Ulster Unionist North American Bureau; as well as a representative from the British Embassy, the Lawyers Alliance for Justice in Ireland and an Irish-born lawyer who has worked to counter the harsh effects of immigration laws here in the United States.

Brian LaClair, a third-year law student and founder of the Irish American Law Students Association at the College of Law, who helped organize the event, says the participants come from different backgrounds on the issues, but each has something important to contribute.

“Some of them will be representing the political parties and governments that are at the heart of the political situation in Northern Ireland; others will be sharing the insight from a human rights or immigration perspective,” says LaClair. “Thus, there promises to be important exchanges that will help everybody better understand the important issues and differing viewpoints involved.”

LaClair says he’s looking forward to a lively exchange between the participants as well as those in the audience, and urges people to come with questions. The evening will end with a light reception, as well as the opportunity to continue the discussion with the participants.

For more information visit http://www.law.syr.edu.