The creation of the Institute of Irish Studies at Liverpool University in 1988 was an inspired initiative. Never was it so important that we in Ireland should understand each other and that both islands should reach out to each other in mutual understanding. I do not speak consciously from the standpoint of any political party or community. It is my aim to try to achieve a broad empathy – something which is sadly lacking in the situation. Parties tend to be what in business terms would be described as producer- rather than market-orientated. They appeal to their existing customer base but rarely enlarge it. The market remains heavily segmented. I hope that I shall be perceived as analytical rather than critical or censorious. We are already oversupplied with recrimination and denunciation. More problem-solving, rather than partisanship, is needed.

Let me start by indulging in a little counterfactual history. Where would we have been today if, in the midst of the relief and euphoria flowing from the cease-fires, Sinn Féin's proclamation of its commitment to exclusively peaceful means had been taken at face value and inclusive talks had been announced? No doubt much effort would have been spent in trying to get all parties to the table and it might have proved impossible. But it would have signalled strongly that the key to success lies, not in the attitudes or actions of the two governments, but in each community in Northern Ireland being able to gain the confidence and trust of the other. Could a third party, introduced at that stage, have succeeded in getting all the parties round the table?

To speculate around such a scenario is not to deny a role to the governments or to question their commitment. London has a clear responsibility for the good government of Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom and it must obviously be involved in working out the relationship between that part and the rest of Ireland. Dublin sees itself as trustee of the fortunes of nationalists in the North and is inevitably involved in helping to shape relationships between the two parts of the island.