Common Ground: Seeking Consensus in Northern Ireland

The Irish peace process goes beyond securing a simple end to violence. Peace is not simply the absence of war or conflict; it is the existence of conditions in which the absence of war or conflict is self-sustaining. This type of peace can be secured only with justice, democracy, and equality, which will eradicate the causes of war. This peace must also be an inclusive one, based upon consensus and agreement among the involved parties. The Irish Republican Army position is that the denial of the Irish people's right to self-determination lies at the very heart of the ongoing conflict in the 6 counties.