The Way I See It

Jimmy Barry Murphy, Cork hurling manager

Jimmy Barry Murphy, Cork hurling manager

The Belfast Agreement is the harbinger, I think, of a lasting peace. At least that's what I hope. I think people on all sides want it to succeed.

Great courage has been shown by John Hume and Gerry Adams - you could say that sacrifices have been made to get the process this far along. There is a sense, though, that a lot of mistrust exists on both sides still. Living in Cork, it is hard to read it properly. I just feel that there should be a better recognition of one another's culture.

There's no doubt that David Trimble has shown courage and leadership, too, in trying to bring loyalists with him on a difficult journey. I can't help feeling, however, that if there had been a bit of leeway all those years ago before the civil rights marches happened, things might have been different.

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But it is very hopeful and I think, like everyone else on the island, my wish is to see this process succeed.

Eamonn Coghlan, former champion athlete

I will be voting Yes, basically because I would do anything for peace. I'm under no illusions that long-lasting peace is about to break out overnight - it will take a few generations, but this is the first time we have had a chance to move in that direction.

You always have to be suspicious as to whether everything in the agreement will be implemented.

Having said that I think that both sides really want to do something about the situation, and May 22nd is the time for that to come about.

Joe O'Brien Manager: Tullamore Court Hotel

Irish people, particularly those involved in tourism, have been waiting for their chance to say Yes down the years.

I remember growing up as a child in Rosslare in the late 1960s and seeing the stream of cars with tourists from the UK coming off the ferries. That stream slowed to a trickle during the 1970s.

I have thought often since what huge potential there would be for tourism growth from the UK in particular and from Europe generally if there was a peace settlement in the North.

Our tourism product has developed beyond recognition since the 1960s and, together with a lasting peace settlement, this will give us all the wonderful opportunity we have been waiting for.