THE chief executive of Cooperation North, Mr Tony Kennedy, has called on whichever party grouping is returned to power to increase government funding of the organisation from its present level of 13 per cent of its budget.
"It's time for the government to put their money where their mouths are and give us the proper resources," he said. More funding was vital if the relationships between communities North and South were to be fostered.
Speaking at Co operation North's annual general meeting yesterday, Mr Kennedy said that previous governments did not deliver on their promises. "In the past, all the parties have indicated their support for these increases. However, none has done so when they got into government.
"We intend to maintain the pressure on whatever group gets into power," he said.
The contributions from the Irish and British governments amount to 13 per cent of Cooperation North's annual £2 million budget. The organisation is seeking an increase in funding to 30 per cent of the budget. Cooperation North raises most of its money through fundraising events and business contributions.
On the marching season in the North, Mr Kennedy said that there was no quickfix solution. "We look at the long term situation. Our aim in Cooperation North is to increase understanding, to get people to appreciate that the other person has a legitimate point of view. This is a slow process," he said.
The need to expand activities beyond six counties North and South of the Border was also expressed. Speakers from the floor pointed out that groups in Belfast have more in common with groups in Dublin than in the Cavan Monaghan area, and vice versa.