Northern Ireland

In May 2007, The Portland Trust published a study entitled Economics and Peacemaking: Lessons from Northern Ireland  which examined the economic dimension of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

The main findings of the report are:

• Economic disparity was a principal aggravating factor. In 1985 Catholic unemployment was 14% higher than Protestant unemployment and violence was high. By 2004 the gap had fallen to 3.5% and violence was low
• Public sector financial support underpinned the economy through the most difficult periods of conflict
• Private sector growth, supported by substantial foreign direct investment, was a key driver of increased employment and improved living standards
• International mediation began around economic issues. Senator George Mitchell, who eventually chaired the talks that led to the 1998 Agreement, first went to Northern Ireland as a special economic adviser. Economic discussions became a platform for political settlement and business organisations became a key lobby for peace.

In line with the mission of The Portland Trust we hope that some of the lessons learned may prove useful in the Middle East.