The Building Common Ground series was established by The John and Pat Hume Foundation with the aim of creating genuine and inclusive opportunities for dialogue and discussion which will enhance relationships in Northern Ireland, on the island and between Ireland and Britain.

This discussion was hosted by the IIEA in Dublin, Thursday 22 February 2024 on the theme of ‘Reconciling Relations: Belfast, Dublin, London’.

About the Speakers:

Jarlath Kearney is a strategy advisor. Over the past decade, he has served as an independently appointed Equality Commissioner for Northern Ireland, a Parole Commissioner for Northern Ireland, a senior manager in the health service, an advisor on democratic reform projects sponsored by the European Commission and UK FCDO in the Balkans, and as a media contributor and regular columnist with The Irish News. Between 2007 and 2014, Jarlath was a ministerial policy advisor and special advisor in the Northern Ireland Executive, after which he ended any associations with party politics. Prior to that, he had spent 15 years in media, latterly as a daily political correspondent.

Senator Emer Currie is the Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson for Special Education and Inclusion & Northern Ireland. She serves on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Committee and is the Chair of Sovereign Matters on the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

David Graham is a former DUP Special Adviser and Belfast City Councillor. He also worked as Director of Communications and Media Relations at Glasgow Rangers FC. David now runs his own property and hospitality businesses with his wife.