New/Old Challenges: What’s Next for Northern Ireland?

About

Almost three decades after the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland continues to navigate complex political, social, and institutional challenges. Recent developments, including tensions surrounding Drumcree, have renewed questions about community relations, power-sharing, reconciliation and the future of policing.

Join the Irish Institute of Boston College for a timely panel discussion exploring Northern Ireland’s evolution over the past 30 years, the progress achieved, and the challenges that remain.

Bringing together perspectives from law, policing, academia, and a new generation of scholars, the conversation will examine the effectiveness of power-sharing arrangements, the prospects for lasting reconciliation and the evolution of politics, policing and parades in a divided society.

Featured Panelists:

Dr. Esther McGuinness — Head of the School of Law and Director of the Ulster University Law Clinic, Ulster University

Kathleen O’Toole — Former Boston Police Commissioner, member of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (Patten Commission), and Chief Inspector of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate

Jason Wong — Visiting student from Queen’s University Belfast at Boston College

Moderator: Professor Mary C. Murphy, Director of the Irish Institute

The discussion will include an opportunity for audience questions and engagement.

This event is FREE and open to the public and will feature an expert discussion and audience questions, followed by a complimentary reception.

For further questions, please email us irishint@bc.edu. Information about parking, transportation, and building accessibility is available through Boston College Visitor Parking & Transportation.

All are welcome, but registration is required.