Pens for Peace

On the lips of many holiday revellers was the wish that peace would prevail in 2002, however reality reminds us of the ongoing presence of war. With the hope that peace will eventually prevail in Ireland and throughout the world the Irish Peace Institute announces the publication of a new book, Pens for Peace, which draws inspiration from the old saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword”.Pens for Peace contains a collection of forty-nine essays examining aspects of peace from a variety of different viewpoints. The essays tackle the subject of ‘peace’ bringing practical experience to bear from prominent political figures, peace-keepers and people involved in peace-building organisations. Contributions include essays from Senator George Mitchell, First Minister David Trimble and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. It is hoped that the publication will be a source of new ideas and a useful tool to stimulate debate, providing a snapshot of ideas and opinions on the notion of ‘peace’ at a specific point in time.The publication was launched in Dublin, Belfast and Limerick, representing the wide range of contributions coming from all parts of the island of Ireland. The launch was held at Stormont in Belfast, on the ground floor of Easons, O’Connell Street in Dublin, and in the Georgian House in Pery Square, Limerick. The launch occurred at each location on the 11th of December to commemorate the horrific events three months prior.Since its establishment at the University of Limerick in 1984, the Irish Peace Institute has endeavoured to use its particular talent to make its own contribution to peace building through programmes of education, research and outreach directed to the mutual understanding and co-operation between the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The proceeds from the sale of the publication will go towards the Outreach work of the Irish Peace Institute, work that has played an important role in promoting understanding through people to people contact, an essential element in promoting peaceful reconciliation in Northern Ireland.