On-the-runs - Pragmatic imperative

Odious people did odious things during the decades of sectarian savagery that so very recently cast a shadow over all of this island.

Every one of those communities or official forces involved did things that fall well outside any understanding of civilised behaviour. These conditions prevailed for so very long that they seemed almost permanent and inevitable.

When the deadlock was finally broken, when a peace of sorts broke out, it was almost the defining moment since this island was divided. That point was not easily reached and myriad backroom deals and unpalatable compromises were made to bring an end to the very worst violence. That is, unfortunately, what conflict resolution is about.

The pragmatism needed to build a future can sometimes take priority over the demands of retrospective justice.

Balancing the pain of the past with the hope of the future is never easy.