ENCOUNTER, the body founded in 1983 with the support of the British and Irish governments, aims to contribute to the improvement of relations between their peoples in the interest of peace, reconciliation and stability". Judging by recent performances in the North, it has got its work cut out for some time to come.
The organisation now has a new joint chairman, and there was a formal handing over at a small dinner in Milltown Golf Club this week.
Terence Brown, Professor of Anglo-Irish literature at TCD, replaces Charles Whelan, former ambassador in Madrid, Tokyo, Athens and Moscow, who has stepped down after six years. Host for the evening was Niall Crowley. Sir David Goodall is the British joint chairman.