Shows
Holywell Trust ConversationsThe end of a seriesThe latest series of Holywell Conversations podcasts began with reflections on the Good Friday Agreement, amidst fears that Northern Ireland’s devolution was over, and that series has now completed at a time when government has actually resumed.Over the series’ 18 episodes two themes have been examined – the challenges holding back reconciliation within our society, and the specific problems that continue to face the North West region.In the first episode, we heard from three people at the table negotiating the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement. Avila Kilmurray of the Women’s Coalition explained just how signific...
2024-02-1922 min
Holywell Trust ConversationsThe Legacy Act is HereThe Legacy Act is Here The widely opposed Legacy Bill is now enacted as the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, 2023. But it remains widely hated and the Irish government has launched inter-state proceedings against the UK administration. This is a clear and strong sign of how bad relations are between the two governments that are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.Out of what we can now call the Legacy Act comes the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. While this body – abbreviated to ICRIR – investigates past events from the Troub...
2024-01-2233 min
Holywell Trust ConversationsLearning to listen - the Thirty ProjectThere is immense frustration across Northern Ireland’s community sector that the Civic Forum collapsed in 2002 and was not replaced. Demands are increasing for citizens’ assemblies, or similar, to provide an alternative voice to that of politicians, especially in the absence of the Assembly and Executive. Avila Kilmurray was a founder of the Women’s Coalition which led demands for the Civic Forum as part of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations. Avila makes the point that it was also the Women’s Coalition that negotiated into the GFA sections on recognising and supporting victims of the Troub...
2023-11-2133 min
Holywell Trust ConversationsFarming in transitionAgriculture is worth around £1.7bn to the Northern Ireland economy, 4% of total economic activity, according to figures published by the Department for the Economy. This compares to farming comprising just 1% of the UK economy – so farming is worth four times more to our economy, proportionately, than to the rest of the UK.But it is a sector that is in transition and worried. Post-Brexit trade deals agreed by the UK with major agricultural economies Australia, New Zealand and South Africa caused anxiety. Further possible deals with Brazil and Canada are increasing that concern. The size of these cou...
2023-11-0642 min
Holywell Trust ConversationsGood Relations WeekLast week was Good Relations Week, the annual Community Relations Council event that aims to build relationships between people of different backgrounds in Northern Ireland, including across the traditional Catholic and Protestant divisions and also people of differing ethnicities. You might say this remains work in progress, which is not the fault of the CRC. Northern Ireland remains a toxically divided society - exemplified, and arguably amplified, by the inability of the two largest parties of the two largest communities to govern together. Northern Ireland’s first Good Relations Week was in 19...
2023-09-2533 minHolywell Trust ConversationsShowing paramilitaries the exit doorRecent weeks have seen a rise in concern about the continuing presence of paramilitaries in our society. Just how we make faster progress in removing them is the question considered in the latest Holywell Trust Conversations podcast.Clearly, 25 years ago when the Good Friday Agreement was approved by the public, they would have expected paramilitaries to have been fully or largely removed from our society by now. Yet we still see significant activity by both loyalist and republican groups.Should we, though, as chief executive of Co-operation Ireland and former senior PSNI and RUC officer...
2023-06-1935 min
Holywell Trust ConversationsTrashing the environmentJust five miles from Derry’s city centre, on the suburban edge of the Waterside, is the site of one of the worst environmental crimes in UK history. It has been described as Europe’s largest illegal waste dump, which may be an exaggeration, but it is certainly one of the very biggest.The Mobuoy waste dump runs across both sides of Derry’s Mobuoy Road. It covers 116 acres and contains 100 tonnes of illegally buried rubbish. While the company running the site was legally registered as a waste disposal business, it evaded around £100m in tax through...
2023-05-2225 min
Holywell Trust ConversationsHuman RightsHuman rights are under threat in the UK, warns the Northern Ireland Human Rights Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick. While the immediate question is whether the British government will change the law in order to remove large numbers of asylum seekers to Rwanda, this is in the context of proposals for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. This would have significant, negative, implications for Northern Ireland, given that this is one of the foundations of the Good Friday Agreement. The future of human rights legislation is the subject of the latest Ho...
2023-05-0834 min
Holywell Trust ConversationsBelfast Good Friday Agreement - An ExplainerBelfast/Good Friday Agreement analysis opens new Holywell Trust Conversations series Conversations with key players in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement negotiations open a new series of podcasts from the peace and reconciliation charity, the Holywell Trust. Suitably, the new series is called the Holywell Trust Conversations, reflecting a more in-depth discussion of topics that are continuing to affect Northern Ireland, and especially the North West – where Holywell is located. The conversations in this opening podcast are with three central characters in the GFA negotiations – who have very different experiences, based on their varying roles...
2023-04-1026 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 18 - Peter HainBoris Johnson, Theresa May and David Cameron must accept part of the responsibility for the continuing “gridlock” of politics in Northern Ireland, through their failure to engage in the political process here, argues former Labour secretary of state Peter Hain. He also allocates blame to Conservative secretaries of state, with the exception of Julian Smith. Hain says that prime ministers must recognise that their role includes strong engagement with the Northern Ireland parties, in order to keep political progress on track. “You have to be hands-on,” he says of the PMs and secretaries of state. “I think David Camer...
2021-08-1335 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 17 - Jeffrey DonaldsonPolitical legacy of distrust cannot be wished away, says Donaldson The distrust between Northern Ireland’s political parties remains a legacy of the conflict and cannot be wished away or ignored, says DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. He adds that the events of the Bobby Storey funeral and commemorations of dead members of the Provisional IRA mean that the Troubles remain a continuing source of tension between the largest parties. He was speaking in the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast. Jeffrey argues that not only are the British government’s legacy proposals unacceptable, but tha...
2021-08-0633 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 16 - Michelle O'NeillLegacy is being discussed at length at present, following the British government’s proposals to abandon prosecutions and investigations into Troubles’ events. But there is another toxic legacy – the impact of past events on current political relationships. That aspect of legacy is discussed with Sinn Féin Vice President and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill in the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast. Michelle argues that political leaders must work hard to build trust, to enable the political system here to work more effectively. But she adds that the challenge of the pandemic has created a situation...
2021-07-3031 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 15 - Colum EastwoodTruth and honesty must be at the heart of how we deal with the legacy of the past and in how politicians in Northern Ireland govern today, says Colum Eastwood, leader of the SDLP and MP for the Foyle constituency. He was speaking in the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast and is the third political leader to be interviewed in the series, discussing how to make progress in Northern Ireland. Victims have been badly treated, stresses Colum, and they need truth and respect. But Colum also talks at length about the need to...
2021-07-2335 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 14 - Naomi LongIf we are to make progress in Northern Ireland’s society, we need to reflect carefully on our core values and ensure that these are reflected in the way government works. This is the message put forward by Naomi Long – leader of the Alliance Party and justice minister – in the second of the Holywell Trust’s Forward Together podcast interviews of Northern Ireland’s political leaders. Among the points stressed by Naomi is that violence is not acceptable as a means of getting what you want. Other core messages are that we must develop strong and positive ro...
2021-07-1639 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 13 - Steve AikenThe third series of Holywell Trust’s Forward Together podcasts has heard from experts in a range of areas – including the economy, skills, education, young people’s experience, housing - and also considered best practice elsewhere. As it moves towards a close, it puts the arguments for major change in the governance of Northern Ireland to our political leaders. In the first of this closing series of podcasts, we spoke to Steve Aiken – who at the time was still leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. (We did not predict his early demise as party leader. Neither did he, judgi...
2021-07-0937 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 12 - Ann WattNorthern Ireland’s economy has a number of weaknesses. At the heart of these is the shortage of skills – higher levels of skills moves an economy up the value chain, leading to improved productivity and greater wealth. Too many of NI’s school leavers have lower levels of qualifications and skills than are needed for the modern economy. This reduces their prospects for obtaining well paid jobs, while some will become long-term unemployed or economically inactive. NI has the UK’s highest rate of economic inactivity. A recent report from the Pivotal think-tank considered these challenges...
2021-07-0229 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 11 - John RestakisSocial care provision is in crisis across much of the world. How can the quality of care be maintained or improved? How can it be made available to those who need it? And how can social care be carried out in an affordable way without underpaying or exploiting its workers? These questions are being asked in many countries and regions. Italy has come up with its own answer – social co-operatives – and its model is being copied across much of Europe. The latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast interviews John Restakis, who is executive director of Commun...
2021-06-2542 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 10 - Paddy GrayFor all the focus on integrated education, if communities continue to live separately then little progress will be made towards integrating our society. So developing more areas of shared housing is essential if we are to make progress. But the lack of genuinely shared communities is only one of the housing challenges facing Northern Ireland today. There is more generally a shortage of social housing, compared with demand, leading to increasing waiting lists. This is not simply a matter of demography. It also reflects the number of properties bought under right to buy, limiting the av...
2021-06-1839 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 9 - Neil McInroyConcentration of the retail and consumer services sectors in the hands of a limited number of multinational corporations sucks wealth out of local communities and into the hands of shareholders based elsewhere. So should the response be to build the local economy by supporting independent businesses based in those localities, while maximising the spend of public institutions in their local communities?That is the approach adopted through 'community wealth building', often termed 'the Preston model'. Preston is a council in Lancashire, England, which is a member of the co-operative network of councils. It has...
2021-06-1139 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 8 - Prof. Fred FreundlichThe Mondragon federation of co-operatives has been the foundation of the economy in Spain's Basque country for decades. It was founded back in 1956 by a priest - José María Arizmendiarrieta - who believed that the best response to the hostility and neglect of the region by the fascist dictator Franco was to develop co-operatives that relied on mutual self-help and independence. Today there are 96 co-operatives which are members of the federation, employing more than 81,000 people. The federation includes manufacturing businesses, financial institutions, retailers and its own university - which operates as a knowledge, research and deve...
2021-06-0442 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 7 - Koulla YaisoumaWhile it is frequently claimed that Northern Ireland has an excellent schools system, it is clear that it is also a divided system. That division is not just based on religion, but also whether a pupil attends a grammar or a non-selective school, which is related to the wealth of the parents. The system clearly separates children, despite the need of our society to come together to heal division. This week’s Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast hears from Northern Ireland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma, on how we repair the damag...
2021-05-2845 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 6 - Jane SuiterIn all the dozens of podcast interviews broadcast by the Holywell Trust, one idea to strengthen our society has been put forward repeatedly – citizens’ assemblies. They are not universally popular – both DUP and Conservative Party politicians have expressed concerns they would undermine the link between elected representatives and their constituents, threatening politicians’ legitimacy. But the experience of Ireland’s citizens’ assemblies has inspired many. Assemblies provided routes to resolving politically challenging issues: same sex marriage, abortion, climate change and, now, gender inequality. And in Northern Ireland we seem bound into a future programme of the assemblies given that New Deca...
2021-05-2134 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 5 - Lillian Senoi-BarrNorthern Ireland is a different place today, than when the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998. It is not just that many more people here today do not feel aligned to the traditional unionist and nationalist/republican identities, but we have many more ‘new citizens’ from other places.Lilian Seenoi-Barr is a well-known advocate for black and minority ethnic communities in Northern Ireland, as director of the North West Migrants Forum. In the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast Lilian discusses identity and the rise of racism in Northern Ireland.It is necessary to recognise that...
2021-05-1441 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 4 - Seamus McGuinnessNever mind Bill Clinton saying, ‘it’s the economy, stupid’, the answers to Northern Ireland’s difficulties are instead perhaps Tony Blair’s mantra, ‘education, education, education’. In fact, the main way to tackle the economic problems of Northern Ireland are arguably to focus on education and skills. Seamus McGuinness, research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute, discusses the weaknesses of Northern Ireland’s education and skills system in the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast. Although ESRI is based in Dublin, Seamus is an expert on the labour market in the North.
2021-05-0733 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 3 - Tony GallagherEducation is the key to progress Education is the key to moving our society forward, says Tony Gallagher in the latest Forward Together podcast interview. But that has to mean much more than encouraging as many students as possible to go to university and obtain a degree. Our society has become fixated with university education, at the expense of school pupils who do not aspire to higher education.More has to be done to support children from deprived families, to encourage them through careers guidance and to promote aspiration. Support has to b...
2021-04-3037 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 2 - Duncan MorrowThe GFA brought peace - but paramilitaries haven’t gone awayThe Good Friday Agreement ended the bitter conflict, but failed to eliminate the poison of paramilitarism. In the latest Forward Together interview recorded before the loyalist street riots protesting against the Brexit Protocol and the latest paramilitary shootings in Derry, Duncan Morrow considers the limitations of the GFA. Northern Ireland remains overshadowed by paramilitaries that claim a political motivation, yet are engaged in criminal enterprises that include the drug trade, protection rackets and loan sharking.Can the GFA now be amended, or wo...
2021-04-2338 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 3 - Episode 1 - Simon Hoare MPHolywell Trust’s third series of Forward Together podcasts is now live! As with the previous series, the focus is on how to make progress in Northern Ireland and heal its divided society.In these latest podcasts we consider some of the ideas that emerged from previous interviews – which were edited together into the book, ‘Lessons from the Troubles and the Unsettled Peace’. Unfortunately, recent events make these ideas even more relevant for urgent consideration.Suggestions discussed further in the latest podcasts include how to reduce tension and improve relationships at interface areas; how to make our...
2021-04-1639 minHolywell Trust ConversationsSeries 2 - Summary SessionEighteen podcasts and Slugger blogs were produced in the second series of the Holywell Trust’s Forward Together programme. With the completion of that programme, the Holywell Trust held a discussion on the themes considered by the series, which focused on creating a better governed society, with more integration and improved outcomes. The discussion was held as part of Good Relations Week 2020, bringing together the chief executive of the Pivotal think-tank, Ann Watt; Northern Ireland’s interim Mental Health Champion Siobhan O’Neill, who is also Professor of Mental Health Sciences at Ulster University, along with Paul Gosling...
2020-10-051h 05Holywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 18 - Ann Watt'I'm talking about a culture change in government in Northern Ireland: I mean the civil service and politicians'Evidence-based policy-making is largely absent from government in Northern Ireland, but the new Pivotal think-tank has been established to correct that, says its director Ann Watt. She was speaking in the last of the second series of Holywell Trust Forward Together podcasts. The aim of Pivotal “is to help improve public policy in Northern Ireland,” says Ann. “It’s got a strong emphasis on research and evidence and on using evidence better in public policy.” T...
2020-08-1743 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 17 - Seamus McGuinness‘It is absolutely crazy to think that constitutional change in Ireland would happen overnight’Consideration of Irish unity needs careful preparation, argues Seamus McGuinness, researchprofessor at the Republic’s Economic and Social Research Institute. He suggests looking to theexample of Hong Kong, where the handover of control was undertaken over a 13 year period.Seamus was talking in the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast.The difference in economic performance, North and South, sits “at the centre of debate aroundconstitutional change,” believes Seamus. “I come at it from the perspective of someone who...
2020-08-1043 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 16 - Ian Marshall’The unity conversation needs to be open, transparent, and let's keep open minds, because we need to flesh out what Irish unity would look like and what the UK union would look like’Ian Marshall is a beef farmer, a former dairy farmer, and was president of the Ulster Farmers Union from 2014 to 2016. But more significantly he was until earlier this year a senator in Ireland’s Oireachtas – a unionist in Ireland’s second legislative chamber. A quite remarkable situation. Many observers were disappointed – as was Ian – that he was not elected back into the Seanad’s agricultural pan...
2020-08-0333 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 15 - Will Glendinning‘A united Ireland that is socially liberally, tolerant, European and economically successful is attractive’ Irish unity could be an attractive option if the new nation is socially liberal, outward looking, multi-cultural, European and economically successfully, while respecting both the Irish and British cultures and traditions, believes Will Glendinning. To be economically successful it may need support from both the European Union and the United States, he adds. Will is a former chief executive of the Community Relations Council, has been an Alliance Party MLA for West Belfast and was also a member of the UDR. He wa...
2020-07-2732 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 14 - Julie-Anne Corr-JohnstonFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION“You can’t rely on a political culture of respect when one doesn’t actually exist” Unionists should engage in the conversation around the proposal for a Bill of Rights, recognising that it can help protect their interests and human rights, says former Progressive Unionist Party councillor Julie-Anne Corr-Johnstone. She was talking in the latest Forward Together podcast from the Holywell Trust. “I think human rights themselves are important because they help protect against abuse by those who are more powerful”, says Julie-Anne. A Bill of Rights can als...
2020-07-2029 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 13 - Colin HarveyA Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is overdue and would protect the interests and concerns of all the population, insists Colin Harvey, professor of human rights at Queen’s University, Belfast. He was talking in the latest Forward Together podcast from the Holywell Trust.The Good Friday Agreement provided the expectation that there would be a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland that would safeguard citizens’ rights. And a committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly is, more than 20 years on, considering this. But what would a Bill of Rights achieve – and which ‘rights’ would be included?“If yo...
2020-07-1331 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 11 - Peter OsborneFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION Reconciliation above all Reconciliation is the primary necessity facing Northern Ireland, believes Peter Osborne. Peter is a former chair of both the Community Relations Council and the Parades Commission. He was talking in the latest Forward Together podcast from the Holywell Trust. “I come from a perspective of looking at what reconciliation is about,” says Peter. He argues that to achieve reconciliation it is essential to correct the structures that create separation. This has led him to strongly argue for the integration of the education and housin...
2020-06-2935 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 10 - Denis BradleyFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION‘Politicians will argue, they will fight over it and they will come up with reasons for not dealing with the past’ It was hoped that the Patten reforms would herald a new start for policing in Northern Ireland, but, argues Denis Bradley, the PSNI remains burdened with its legacy from the old RUC. Denis is a former vice-chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board and co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past. He was talking in the latest Forward Together podcast from the Holywell Trust. “In the setting-up of the PSNI...
2020-06-2238 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 9 - Marissa McMahonFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION ‘There is something seriously and fundamentally wrong’ – Northern Ireland’s housing crisis Although the shortage of housing was a major issue in the recent Irish general election, it is also a major challenge in Northern Ireland. For some reason, there is much less focus on this north of the border. PPR – the Participation and Practice of Rights – is keen to correct this, as its housing activist Marissa McMahon explained in the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast. It is important to consider the statistics when placing the housing cr...
2020-06-1531 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 8 - Alan McBrideFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION ‘My coping mechanism is talking, seeking peace and reconciliation’ Alan McBride’s personal journey is well known, but remarkable nonetheless. It was in 1993 that his wife Sharon and her father Desmond Frizzell were killed in an IRA bomb attack on the family fish shop in Belfast’s Shankill Road. But with immense dignity, Alan has since dedicated his life to reconciliation and progress, as well as campaigning on behalf of victims. He is the latest interviewee in the Holywell Trust Forward Together podcasts. Alan admits that initially...
2020-06-0839 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 7 - Daniel HolderFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION What is justice? The answer might be obvious, but in past Forward Together podcast interviews it has been noticeable that the responses to that question have been inconsistent. While parts of political unionism seem focused on the judicial process for acts going back to the Troubles, the response by some in republicanism has been that the core of justice is about creating a fair society today. Daniel Holder, deputy director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice, tells the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast that it is important to...
2020-06-0144 min
Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 12 - Holywell Trust PodcastFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode of the Holywell Trust Podcast we get an update on the work of 3 organisations - Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Foyle Obon and Social Farms and Gardens. For more information in each organisation see: Foyle Down Syndrome TrustFoyle Obon Social Farms and GardensWe also get an update on the reimagined Fingerpost - see fingerpost.ie for more information. We'd love to hear from people interested in contributing to the new site. Remember to subscribe and share. Disclaimer: This project has received support from the...
2020-05-2725 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 6 - Deirdre HeenanFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION “Most people believe social care should be free, but there's a lot of confusion out there” Social care must be reformed. If it wasn’t clear before the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become tragically obvious over recent weeks. So this is an opportune time to hear in the latest Holywell Trust Forward Together podcast from Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University and joint author nine years ago of a major study into Northern Ireland’s health and social care system. “The vast majority of people acc...
2020-05-2543 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 5 - Jim DornanFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION “Epidemiologically, we're all one Ireland” It is clear that health services in both Northern Ireland and the Republic will need to be reformed as our society recovers from Covid-19. They need to be more resilient and flexible to cope with both underlying existing demand and the capacity to cope with the current and possible future pandemics. Reform was already planned in both jurisdictions – the Bengoa plan in the north and Sláintecare in the south. But could reform be even more effective – in terms of cost-effectiveness, efficiencie...
2020-05-1834 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 4 - Suzanne RodgersFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION“Journalists have always had to have integrity” The media are at a crossroads, with fears over the future of some of Northern Ireland’s best known newspapers. Existing trends favouring social media over print newspapers have been accelerated by the Covid-19 crisis, with additional financial pressures from a collapse in advertising revenues. This is an appropriate moment to reflect on the future of the media and on ethical responsibilities on journalists working in a post-conflict society. The latest Forward Together podcast from the Holywell Trust features an interv...
2020-05-1140 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 11 - Holywell Trust PodcastFULL SHOW NOTES - Episode 11This episode features updates from Extern, Foyle Women's Information Network and REACH Across on how they are continuing their work during the lockdown period caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. We were delighted to be joined by: Joe Thompson from ExternMaeve O'Brien from Foyle Women's Information Network andBarney McGuigan from REACH Across We also gave an update on the Forward Together Podcast series (subscribe here) shared a difficult decision about The Tea Room Honesty Cafe and updated on our plans for Fingerpost. To get in touch if you...
2020-05-0723 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 3 - John FitzgeraldJohn FitzGerald Podcast InterviewJohn FitzGerald is one of Ireland’s most respected and influential economists –formerly research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute and currently chair of the group advising the Irish government on climate policy. He is a strong critic of Northern Ireland’s policies on education and skills training, arguing that these are core factors in the weakness of the northern economy.He is the latest interviewee in the Holywell Trust’s Forward Together podcast series.“In terms of productivi...
2020-05-0432 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 2 - Siobhan O'NeillNorthern Ireland's mental health crisisMental health is a global challenge, but poor mental health is at crisis levels in Northern Ireland. That crisis is in part an ongoing impact from the Troubles, Siobhan O’Neill, professor of mental health science at Ulster University, says in the latest Holywell Trust podcast.“We're seeing a rise in mental health problems in the Western world,” says Siobhan. “We know that around one in four or one in five people in Europe and the West have a mental health problem. In Northern Ireland, that's somewhat higher...
2020-04-2734 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 10 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 9 - First Released 24/4/20 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Gerard Deane is joined by Roisin McLaughlin from North West Community Network, Muareen Hetherington from The Junction and Fionnuala Deane from Dog Ears to share updates on each organisation's plans during the lockdown period of the Covid-19 pandemic and to discus the impact that it is having on each organisation. Gerard also provides an update on...
2020-04-2724 minHolywell Trust PodcastHolywell STEW Special - June 2017Stew Special - First Released 12/6/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. The Holywell Trust will be hosting its Second Holywell Stew on Wednesday June 14th. Before you rush off to purchase your tickets for that event Roisin and Gerard present the proceedings from the inaugural event back in May. Listen to the pitches from four community action groups in the city; Pink Ladies De...
2020-04-2338 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 8 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 8 - First Released 30/8/18 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Roisin O’Hagan and Gerard Deane return with a new edition of the Holywell Trust Podcast updating you on the work of the Holywell Trust and their partners. Since our last Holywell Podcast Roisin has taken over the role of Co-Ordinator at the North West Community Network. She discusses the work she has been...
2020-04-2324 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 3 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 3 - First Released 5/6/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. In the new edition of the Holywell Trust Project Roisin and Gerard speak to Donna Logue of the La Dolce Vita Project. Donna and her organisation were the winners of the first Holywell Stew event. Listen to Donna's experience in preparing her pitch, the assistance she received and what winning the Holywell Stew in...
2020-04-2321 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 4 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 4 - First Released 27/6/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Presented by Roisin O'Hagan and Gerard Deane, the Holywell Podcast returns with an interview with Eamonn Deane and Ann Kelleher. Ann is the author of the recently launched publication "Pioneering Peace Builder: A History of Holywell Trust". The book takes an in-depth look at the work undertaken, the experiences and learning of the Ho...
2020-04-2327 minHolywell Trust PodcastHolywell STEW Special - July 2017Stew Special 2 - First Released 3/7/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Gerard Deane and Roisin O'Hagan present a special podcast of the 2nd Holywell Stew event. Four more community based projects pitch to an audience of investors with the aim of collecting a prize fund of over £500 for their cause. Organisations pitching at this event are Arabridge, The Neighbourliness Project, Kinship Care and Emo...
2020-04-2338 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 5 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 5 - First Released 14/9/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Roisin O’Hagan and Gerard Deane return with the 5th episode of the Holywell Podcast a news blast of the Holywell Trust and DiverseCity Community Partnership. The Holywell building will host a number of events during Community Relations and Cultural Awareness week from 18th - 22nd September 2017 ranging from the Trust’s Community Relati...
2020-04-2320 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 6 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 6 - First Released 9/10/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Fusion Fest, the social innovation festival, is coming to this city on October 19th and the first of the new Holywell Stew events will cap off the first day of festivities. Connor Doherty, Digital Social Innovator with Techies in Residence, joins Roisin and Gerard about the Festival's events. This programme contains updates on th...
2020-04-2317 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 7 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 7 - First Released 5/12/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Roisin O’Hagan and Gerard Deane return with another news blast regarding the work of the Holywell Trust Diverse City Community Partnership and its partners. The Foyle Women’s Information Network has launched the annual Christmas Shoe Box Appeal. Rosie McCann from the organisation joins us to discuss the positive impact the collection has ha...
2020-04-2323 minHolywell Trust PodcastBrexit & Ireland Book Launch with Tony ConnellyBrexit & Ireland with Tony Connelly - First Released 8/12/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. This Special Podcast is the recording of Holywell Trust's Teatime Event titled "Brexit & Ireland: an Evening with Tony Connelly" held on November 21st. RTE's long-time Brussels correspondent Tony Connelly has been helping the public make sense of the implications of Brexit for Ireland. Now, in Brexit and Ireland, he te...
2020-04-2358 minHolywell Trust PodcastAn Evening with Dr. Martin SternAn Evening With Dr. Martin Stern - First Released 12/12/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Podcast was recorded in St. Augustine's Church in Derry on October 25th as part of a Holywell Trust Tea Time Event. Dr. Martin Stern as a 5 year old living in Holland was arrested with his one year old sister Erica and transported to Westerbork transit camp. From there he...
2020-04-2326 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 9 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 9 - First Released 18/10/18 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Roisin McLaughlin and Gerard Deane return with a new addition of the Holywell Podcast, providing news on the work of the Holywell Trust Diverse City Community Partnership and its partners. In our previous episode back in March, Roisin had just assumed her new role with the North West Community Network. She updates us on...
2020-04-2340 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 2 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 2 - First Released 14/5/17Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Roisin O’Hagan and Gerard Deane return with a new edition of the Holywell Trust Podcast. Following the success of the recent Civic Activism event we have an update on the next Civic Jury event coming up at the end of this month. Gerard also gives us an update on the Holywell Stew eve...
2020-04-2327 minHolywell Trust PodcastSpecial Podcast - Civic Activism Project SpecialCivic Activism Special - First Released 21/5/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Roisin O’Hagan hosts the first of our Civic Activism Specials. On April 12th the Holywell Trust hosted a civic jury event around the theme of “A City with Youth in Mind”. Listen to evidence given by three individuals on matters young people from Derry/Londonderry feel is important to improve the qual...
2020-04-2331 minHolywell Trust PodcastEpisode 1 - Holywell Trust PodcastEpisode 1 - First Released 23/4/17 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Welcome to the 1st edition of the Holywell Trust Podcast. Presented by Roisin O'Hagan and Gerard Deane, discover a small aspect of the work carried by the community development/relations organisation in Derry/Londonderry. In this episode Eamonn Baker talks about the upcoming Holywell Trust Podcast Testimony series launching on Thursday 27th April. La...
2020-04-2315 minHolywell Trust ConversationsS2 - Episode 1 - Jess SargeantReforming government in Northern Ireland Government in Northern Ireland needs reform, but the fact that it works at all is actually impressive given the past, says Jess Sargeant of the Institute for Government, a London-based think-tank. She was speaking in the first of a new series of podcasts produced by the Holywell Trust, which feature opinions from policy experts who consider some of Northern Ireland’s biggest challenges. The Institute for Government published a review of Northern Ireland’s system of government at the end of last year, which considered how the ci...
2020-04-2039 minHolywell Trust ConversationsReview 4 - Constitutional QuestionFULL EPISODE NOTES Considering the future of Northern IrelandA panel considered how to engage in a friendly and unthreatening conversation about the future constitutional arrangements for Northern Ireland. This was held as part of a concluding reflection on the Holywell Trust’s series of 35 Forward Together podcast interviews. The panel comprised author Julieann Campbell, the commentator Denis Bradley (who was co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past and former deputy chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board) and Maureen Hetherington of the Junction, plus myself as the per...
2019-10-2124 minHolywell Trust ConversationsReview 3 - Addressing The PastFULL EPISODE NOTESDealing with the pastA discussion on how to deal with the past was held as part of a concluding reflection on the Holywell Trust’s series of Forward Together podcasts. The panel was author Julieann Campbell, the commentator Denis Bradley (who was co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past and former deputy chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board) and Maureen Hetherington of the Junction, plus Paul Gosling who conducted the interviews for the 35 podcasts.This podcast also includes a contribution from audience member Dec...
2019-10-1429 minHolywell Trust ConversationsReview 2 - Shared & Integrated SocietyFULL SHOW NOTESCreating a shared and integrated societyA discussion on how to create a shared and integrated society was held as part of a concluding reflection on the Holywell Trust’s series of Forward Together podcasts. The panel was author Julieann Campbell, the commentator Denis Bradley (who was co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past and former deputy chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board) and Maureen Hetherington of the Junction, plus Paul Gosling who conducted the interviews for the 35 podcasts.We began by listening to highlights from the recordings. Lind...
2019-10-0732 minHolywell Trust ConversationsReview 1 - Civic VoiceFULL SHOW NOTESA discussion on how to strengthen civic society was held as part of a concluding reflection on the Holywell Trust’s series of Forward Together podcasts. The panel was author Julieann Campbell, the commentator Denis Bradley (who was co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past and former deputy chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board) and Maureen Hetherington of the Junction, plus myself as the person who conducted the interviews for the 35 podcasts.We began by listening to highlights from the recordings. The now retired Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and...
2019-09-3033 min
Holywell Trust ConversationsGood Relations Week - Review & Panel DiscussionFULL SHOW NOTESInformation on our upcoming Forward Together Podcast event taking place at 2.00pm on 18th September at Holywell Trust, 10-12 Bishop Street, Derry. The event is open for all to attend and we'll hear highlights from our series and have a discussion with our panel made up of Paul Gosling, Denis Bradley, Maureen Hetherington (The Junction) and Julieann Campbell (Museum of Free Derry).
2019-09-1102 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 34 - Jo EganFULL EPISODE NOTES‘Telling Troubles stories can help deal with the past’ Telling stories about the past – about the Troubles – can help families and society move on, says playwright Jo Egan. She dramatised the events that killed six children during the Troubles in‘The Crack in Everything’, which was produced by Derry’s Playhouse Theatre as part of a European Union Peace project. She was also responsible for ‘Crimea Square’, a community theatre play about the history of the Shankill Road. “People want to be heard,” says Jo. “They want their stories recognise...
2019-09-0937 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 29 - Aideen McGinleyFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTIONCommunity planning provides a model that builds on the tradition of the “very strong community spirit that prevailed in Northern Ireland” during the Troubles, argues Aideen McGinley in the latest Forward Trust podcast. McGinley is a trustee of Carnegie UK, co-chair of its embedding wellbeing project in Northern Ireland and a former senior civil servant.Aideen stresses that we need to be positive rather than fearful as we look to the future. “The bottom line is that people do not want to go back,” she says. Aideen reflects: “I was at an event in Leed...
2019-07-2944 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 26 - Denis Bradley (Part 1)FULL EPISODE NOTES Eames-Bradley process ‘should have done more to take the Irish government with it’ – says Denis Bradley The Eames-Bradley process should have engaged more closely with the Irish government and ensured it was on board with the recommendations, says co-chair Denis Bradley in the latest Forward Together podcast. Eames-Bradley – properly called the Consultative Group on the Past – was published more than a decade ago and was intended to provide a way of dealing with the past and the needs and concerns of victims and survivors. Denis says “I do [think the...
2019-07-1530 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 24 - Maeve McLaughlinFULL EPISODE DESCRIPTION Making progress on parading – can Northern Ireland learn from Derry-Londonderry? As Northern Ireland moves towards what will hopefully be a peaceful 12th July, the manager of ‘the Derry Model’, Maeve McLoughlin – a former Sinn Fein MLA – reflects on how peaceful parading was negotiated, after years of conflict and tension in Derry-Londonderry. “It was spurred on by a commitment to the city,” she says, “and by people who genuinely wanted to be in a better place. “That was the feeling of the Apprentice Boys as well. They love the city. They wan...
2019-07-0838 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 21 - Tina MerronFULL EPISODE NOTES ‘Social integration begins with integrated education and integrated housing’ For Northern Ireland to become more integrated, there has to be a greater focus on integrated schools and integrated housing, argues the chief executive of the Integrated Education Fund, Tina Merron. She was interviewed for the latest Forward Together podcast. “I think the majority of people in Northern Ireland want a shared future and a united community,” says Tina. “We need to give civil society more of a say. We need to encourage people to speak up and especially...
2019-06-2826 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 15 - Maureen Hetherington‘If we tell people the cost of segregation, they will support greater integration’ If people are told the financial cost of segregation and service duplication, there will be much greater support for social integration, says community worker Maureen Hetherington. Maureen is director of The Junction community and peace-building centre in Derry-Londonderry and was interviewed in the latest ‘Forward Together’ podcast. “I have no doubt that integrated education is absolutely fundamental to getting people to know each other, to engage with each other,” stresses Maureen. “The difficulty there is that we don't have the integrat...
2019-06-0735 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 13 - Jim DornanThere needs to be an all-island, integrated, health service, and its creation should not be dependent upon the agreement or timing of a united Ireland, argues Professor Jim Dornan – one of the architects of existing cross-border co-operation in health services. Jim was interviewed in the latest Forward Together podcast. “In many ways Ireland is a Goldilocks sized country for health provision,” he explains. “We can cherry pick the best of health provision throughout the world and let's introduce it to Ireland. The health service is a wonderful concept.” But to protect NHS-type health service provision, it i...
2019-05-3125 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 12 - Fergus O'DowdJustice for victims is achieved by “giving them a society that works”, says Fergus O'Dowd TD of Fine Gael. He is a member of the Oireachtas Good Friday Implementation Committee and was appointed earlier this year by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to lead a new Fine Gael group to develop links with Northern Ireland. He is interviewed in the latest Forward Together podcast.Discussing how to deal with events of the past, Fergus stresses that victims and their relatives must be treated fairly, and criticises recent remarks by Northern Ireland secretary Karen Bradley in the House...
2019-05-2733 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 11 - Alexandra De La Torre‘Women lose out in Northern Ireland’ More must be done in Northern Ireland to make society more open for women and for minorities, argues Alexandra De La Torre, the co-ordinator for NICVA of the Next Chapter, which has the objective of strengthening women's engagement in civic society and participation in society. Alexandra is interviewed in the latest Forward Together podcast. “I think it is fundamental for civil society to create spaces where there is room for everyone,” she says. “Spaces that are inclusive for women, inclusive for minorities, inclusive for people with disabili...
2019-05-2428 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 6 - Mark Durkan‘Let’s look again at the Eames-Bradley approach to the past’ The Eames-Bradley report was the best approach yet to how Northern Ireland should deal with Troubles legacy issues, argues Mark Durkan. The former SDLP leader and deputy first minister was interviewed for the ‘Forward Together’ podcast series immediately before declaring his candidacy for Fine Gael for the Dublin constituency in the European Parliament elections. Mark argues that the proposals tabled for the 2013 talks mediated by US envoy Richard Haass were “not as good as Eames-Bradley”. The challenge is also that “different parties ar...
2019-05-0635 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 3 - Avila Kilmurray‘Strengthen and value civil society’ “Civil society needs to be strengthened to do more than just provide services,” argues Avila Kilmurray, one of the founders of the Women’s Coalition. “Civil society in many ways was the backbone of society in the 70s, 80s, 90s in Northern Ireland, whenever we were in the midst of The Troubles.” The call for a strong civic society was made in the third interview in the series of more than 30 Forward Together podcasts. These were recorded with leading figures across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to mark...
2019-04-2630 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 17In Episode 17 of the Brexit Focus Podcast Paul Gosling and Gerard Deane discuss the Brexit extension and the likelihood of an agreement between the Conservative and Labour parties; comments from Nicola Sturgeon on how Brexit might impact on devolved governments; future leadership of the Conservative Party; local nominations for EU election and; how Brexit is impacting on local people seeking to renew insurance. We also get an update from Emma De Souza on her campaign recently featured on the podcast.We also hear about Holywell Trust's new Forward Together Podcast - an initiative supported through the Community...
2019-04-2526 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 2 - Mike NesbittThe second episode of our Forward Together Podcast features an interview with former Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt. Below is a snapshot of the discussion with Mike.“Unionism needs to look and recognise that the environment around us is changing,” says former Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt MLA. He adds: “I would like to see civic unionism becoming more active... Perhaps we need to build civic society that goes beyond the division and the politics of unionism and nationalism”. The call for a strong civic society was made in t...
2019-04-2223 minHolywell Trust ConversationsEpisode 1 - Bishop Ken Good‘Christians should lead in healing Northern Ireland’Christians should take a leading role in healing Northern Ireland, says Bishop Ken Good, the Church of Ireland bishop for the cross-border diocese of Derry and Raphoe. He also says that politicians should speak less and that civil society should find its voice.Bishop Ken Good was interviewed in the first of the Forward Together Podcast interviews, a series of more than 30 podcasts recorded with leading figures across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to mark 21 years since the signing of the G...
2019-04-1928 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 16Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. The UK's withdrawal from the European Union will not take place on March 29th 2019 as planned and will now be either April 12th or May 17th, depending on whether Theresa May can force her Withdrawal Agreement over the line. Paul Gosling and Gerard Deane discuss the twist and turns in the negotiations and the events occuring within the House of Parliment over the past few weeks. Guests...
2019-03-2853 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 15Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. With a month to go until the UK withdraws from the European Union, Gerard Deane and Paul Gosling return to discuss the possibility that we may not be leaving on schedule after all. Theresa May, whom Gerard met with recently, has been discussing possibly extending the deadline to withdrawal until June, whilst Labour has come out in support of a second referendum. Both discuss this and other...
2019-02-2837 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Special with Gregory CampbellDisclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Since this podcast's first episode we have been desperately seeking a Unionist voice within the devolved Northern Ireland Government or the UK Parliament to discuss why they/their party backed the Leave Campaign during the EU Referendum of 2016. Finally we are able to provide that voice in the form of the DUP MP for East Londonderry; Gregory Campbell. During the course of this interview with Paul Gosling...
2019-02-0517 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 14Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Leading up to this month's Brexit Focus Podcast The House of Commons voted down Theresa May's proposed Withdrawal Agreement in a crashing, record defeat and the PM survived a vote of no-confidence. Questions on the direction or how Brexit will be delivered still remains. Gerard Deane and Paul Gosling discuss these points and other items that rose in the past 4 weeks. Paul for this episode speaks with...
2019-01-2551 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Ep 13Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. It is less than 100 days until the United Kingdom withdraws from the the European Union and the government are still without a deal or direction. Gerard Deane and Paul Gosling in this latest podcast considers the current state of chaos and the episode includes interviews with Dr Katy Hayward, one of Northern Ireland's most knowledgeable Brexit-focused academics, and Professor Kevin O'Rourke of Oxford University, who has written...
2018-12-2123 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Ep 12Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. It has taken almost a year but finally the Holywell Trust Brexit Focus Podcast has obtained an interview with a Politician who voted to Leave during the Referendum in 2016. Not only is he pro-Brexit he is also pro-Irexit. Paul Gosling inteviews Eamonn McCann (People Before Profit)on his standpoint, the failed Lexit movement and what he had expected to happen in the EU Withdrawal Referendum. The 500+ page...
2018-11-2332 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Leo Varadkar Brexit Focus SpecialDisclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Over this past weekend the city of Derry welcomed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who enjoyed a tour of the Walls of Derry and the Siege Museum as well as holding a meeting with Conall McFeely at the Creggan Enterprises office in Ráth Mór Retail and Business Centre (for more on this listen to Brexit Focus Episode 11). Paul Gosling met the Taoiseach there to ask him about th...
2018-10-2902 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 11Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. This month's Brexit Focus Podcast deals with People's Rights and Paul Gosling spoke with two individuals who are very well positioned to discussed some of the issues expressed during the UK-EU Negotiations. First guest is Brian Gormley, Director of the Committee on Administration of Justice, who has lodged a complaint to the European Ombudsman as they believe rights that had been promised to the Irish Citizens in...
2018-10-2539 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 10Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. As part of the Holywell Trust's Good Relations Week 2018, the Brexit Focus Team hosted a panel discussion titled "Brexit and Community Relations" in the Junction Room of the Holywell Trust Building. Speaking on the panel with Paul and Gerard was Terry Wright, a representative of Civic Unionism; Darren O'Reilly, independent councillor for Derry and Strabane District Council and Maureen Hetherington, Board Member of Community Dialogue. Our panel...
2018-09-2551 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Special With David LidingtonDisclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. David Lidington, Member of Parliament for the Aylesbury constituency and current Minister for the Cabinet Office is visiting the city and the Holywell Trust. Amongst his roles David Lidington is in charge of the delivery of Brexit and for this special edition of the Brexit Focus Podcast, Paul was exclusively afforded the opportunity to interview the Minister regarding the border, the fiuture of the Peace Programmes and...
2018-08-2713 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 9Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. On this month's edition of the Brexit Focus Podcast, presented by Paul Gosling and Gerard Deane, three community based workers; John Peto of the Nerve Centre, Maureen Hetherington of The Junction and Elaine Forde from the Playhouse, have been invited to a round the table discussion on EU Funding. Hear how their organisations will be affected by Brexit, how their organisations are planning for a No-Deal Brexit...
2018-08-2440 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 8Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Since our last Podcast Brexit has become more chaotic than ever, elevating fears of a “No Deal Brexit” that is fracturing the Government and the UK. For us in the North West the uncertainty has heightened fears regarding the Border and the impact it may have. We are joined by Jane Morrice, Former Vice President of the European Economic and Social Committee of Northern Ireland and Seamus Lehe...
2018-07-2645 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 7Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. On this month’s Brexit Focus, Independent Unionist MLA Claire Sugden tells Paul Gosling how she has viewed the European Union Exit process to date and how much of an uncertainty it is causing her constituency. Also on the Podcast, Paul speaks with Alliance Party Deputy Leader Stephen Farry on the approach his party is taking as regards Brexit plus Mark Durkan, former SDLP Leader, voices frustrations to...
2018-06-2732 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 6Gerard Deane and Paul Gosling return with more news, views and analysis on the pending UK Exit from the European Union and how it may impact the North West of Ireland. Michel Barnier was a recent visitor to the City and met with civic leaders and local businesses as they attempted to re-enforce the case against a hard border. Jennifer McKeever, President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, attended the session in the Guildhall and she will discuss on the Podcast what she learnt from the meeting with the Chief Negotiator on Brexit for the EU, the challenges local...
2018-05-2541 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 5Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Holywell Trust’s Brexit Focus Podcast returns for its 5th episode and this month Gerard, Paul and guests delve into the ramifications Brexit presents less than one year away from the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. Last month the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland hosted an event with the grantees of their Brexit Dialogue Fund at the MAC in Belfast. Paul spoke with Andrew McCracken, the...
2018-04-2542 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 4Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Holywell Podcast’s Brexit Focus returns for its 4th episode and is presented by Gerard Deane and Paul Gosling. The Farming and Food Industry is facing financial hurdles as the withdrawal from the European Union beckons. For farmers, subsidies funded through the Common Agriculture Policy remain in the dark as to whether they will still be entitled to the fund and if so will subsidies see a he...
2018-03-2746 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 3Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. Holywell Trust’s Brexit Focus Podcast, presented by Gerard Deane and Paul Gosling, returns this month with news, interviews and discussion. During his visit to the North-West Yanus Varoufakis, former Greek Finance Minister spoke with Paul. He voiced his own experience in dealing with the European Commission and how those experiences may emulate Northern Ireland following the UK’s exit from the EU. We hear from Senator Mark...
2018-02-2245 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 2Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. In this month's addition of Brexit Focus Paul Gosling meets up with Derry & Strabane District Council Chief Executive John Kelpie and Donegal County Council Chief Executive Seamus Neely to discuss the impact on cross border trade and continued partnership on social and economic issues. Paul and Gerard discuss Brexit related news that has past over the last four weeks and we invite you to submit questions regarding...
2018-01-2544 min
Holywell Brexit Focus PodcastHolywell Podcast: Brexit Focus Episode 1Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation are solely those of the interviewer/interviewee and do not in any way represent the views of the Holywell Trust, its partners or their funders. In the first of our Brexit Focus Specials, Holywell Trust's Brexit Expert, Paul Gosling, tries to help us make sense of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union. In this episode we discuss some Brexit basics - why the EU was formed in the first place, why certain British Politicians wanted to leave, each stage of the current negotiations and what to expect plus the impact...
2017-12-1528 min