Dr. Gary Mason:

There must be a collaborative effort. As I said, if we could get some key republicans and loyalists into a room with representatives of key NGOs and politicians who are willing to take risks - not those who are prepared only to play a safe game - there is a possibility to make progress. I would be interested in having a conversation on the way forward in that regard, as I am sure would Professor McBride. There is no avoiding the difficult conversations, in which politicians have a role. It is sometimes observed that reconciliation presupposes confrontation, which is another way of saying one must ask the hard questions. It is the same in any relationship. If a couple go for counselling without ever mentioning that one of them is abusing alcohol, they will not get anywhere.