#gfa25 #goodfridayagreement #toveJansson #finland #ireland

Dr Gail McConnell was an honoured guest for a joint event commemorating 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement on 02 June 2023, which took place in Helsinki, Finland. The event was an opportunity to remember the past, recognise the present and consider the future. It was also an opportunity to note with appreciation the important role played by Finnish officials in the Northern Ireland peace process (see more here). Drawing inspiration from the words of Tove Jansson’s ‘The Summer Book’, Dr McConnell delivered a reflection on her personal loss in the context of conflict in Northern Ireland. That reflection was recorded in Belfast in August 2023 to coincide with Tove Jansson Day.

Dr McConnell is a poet and academic from Belfast whose debut poetry book ‘The Sun is Open’ (Penned in the Margins, 2021) about her father’s murder by the IRA won the John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Award and the Christopher Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize. Dr McConnell is reader in English at Queen’s University Belfast. She was appointed a Fellow of the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at Queen’s in July 2023.

Partners for the event in Helsinki were: the Embassy of Ireland in Finland, the British embassy in Helsinki, Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation.

Find out more here: …(read more)

LEARN MORE ABOUT: IRA Accounts

TRANSFER IRA TO GOLD: Gold IRA Account

TRANSFER IRA TO SILVER: Silver IRA Account

REVEALED: Best Gold Backed IRA

For Tove Jansson Day – A Reflection: 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement by Dr Gail McConnell

On this significant day, known as Tove Jansson Day, it is important to reflect upon a monumental event that has shaped the course of history – the Good Friday Agreement. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this groundbreaking peace treaty, which brought an end to decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. Dr Gail McConnell, a renowned scholar, reflects on the impact and implications of this historic milestone.

The Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10th, 1998, was a long-awaited turning point in the Northern Irish conflict. It marked an agreement between the major political parties in Northern Ireland, the British and Irish governments, and outlined a roadmap for a peaceful and democratic future. The agreement recognized the legitimacy of different identities and aspirations, ultimately leading to the establishment of a power-sharing government.

Dr Gail McConnell, an expert in conflict resolution, highlights the importance of this agreement in transforming a deeply divided society. McConnell emphasizes that the Good Friday Agreement introduced mechanisms for addressing the root causes of conflict, acknowledging the grievances of all parties involved. It created a framework for political dialogue, allowing diverse voices to be heard and respected.

Furthermore, McConnell examines the lasting impact of the Good Friday Agreement on issues such as justice, equality, and human rights. The agreement not only paved the way for an inclusive political system but also contributed to the dismantling of barriers and the fostering of mutual understanding among communities. It sought to address issues of discrimination and inequality, promoting an environment of tolerance, respect, and diversity.

In her analysis, McConnell also addresses the challenges and setbacks encountered along the way. She notes that while progress has been made since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, there are still unresolved issues that require attention. The legacy of the conflict continues to affect individuals and communities, and work must be done to address the unresolved issues of the past and shape a better future for all.

As the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement is celebrated, Dr Gail McConnell calls for continued commitment to the principles outlined in the agreement. She urges politicians, policymakers, and citizens alike to renew their dedication to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and justice. By doing so, she believes that the vision of a stable and peaceful Northern Ireland, envisioned by the agreement, can continue to be realized.

Tove Jansson, known for creating the beloved Moomin characters, once said, “It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent. It is terrible to lose interest; to become indifferent to the old and to the young, to think that we have seen it all before, to think that it does not matter anymore.” Dr Gail McConnell reflects on these words, urging us all to maintain a sense of persistence, empathy, and commitment to the principles of peace and reconciliation as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

In conclusion, as we celebrate Tove Jansson Day, it is vital to remember the significance of the Good Friday Agreement. This groundbreaking peace treaty has brought hope and progress to a divided nation. Dr Gail McConnell’s reflection reminds us of the transformative power of dialogue, understanding, and dedication to peace. As we move forward, let us honor the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and strive for a future where differences are celebrated, grievances are addressed, and peace reigns.