We must ensure young people learn from our history, says outgoing peace fund boss

THE outgoing chief of a peace fund has warned against complacency around the peace process.

Adrian Johnston served for 10 years on the board of the International Fund for Ireland, including six years as chairman.

He led the transformation of a number of peace walls and a shared education programme which sees schools across sectors work together.

But Mr Johnston (right), who steps down from the role next month, has warned against complacency as devolved government remains collapsed and Brexit looms.

The Londonderry man said he was shocked by a recent car bomb in the city.

“I grew up walking past the old Ebrington Barracks to school every day, delivering newspapers and getting my paper bag searched — it was part of normal life then,” he said.

“For my kids the car bomb was like a scene from world war three. We can’t shy away from our history, we need to ensure young people learn from it.”

Mr Johnston also spoke of his fears around Brexit.

“Free movement of people across the border is essential, I would have concerns around that and the knock-on impact on border communities that already feel isolated becoming further isolated,” he said. Mr Johnston said when he was appointed as chairman he wanted to focus on issues such as segregation and peace walls.

He said one of his highlights was seeing the fund’s shared education programme written into legislation. During his tenure peace walls were transformed or removed, with the fund playing a key role as a conduit between communities and statutory agencies.