Joint website aims to encourage dialogue

A website was launched by the British Council yesterday aimed at exploring the "complex relationship" between Britain and Ireland…

A website was launched by the British Council yesterday aimed at exploring the "complex relationship" between Britain and Ireland, through discussion and debate on topics such as language, culture and sport.

The website, www.britainandireland.org, was endorsed by former Ireland international rugby player Trevor Ringland, who said he hoped it would help foster dialogue and mutual understanding.

Tony Reilly, director of the British Council, the UK's main agency for promoting cultural relations, said he hoped it would promote discussion, comment - and the odd row.

"Mention any topic, such as the support in Ireland for British premiership soccer clubs to the growing popularity of cricket in Ireland, and a range of varied, challenging views emerge from all quarters.

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"We want to provide an online space to facilitate these conversations," Mr Reilly said.