NUS aids Irish peace

The National Union of Students has given a Pounds 75,000 boost to the peace process in Northern Ireland to help train local students to support community relations.

The student leadership training, based in Belfast, will be backed by a full-time staff member for three years. The Union of Students in Ireland has also given Pounds 5,000.

Andrew Pakes, NUS president, said: "The student movement in the United Kingdom enthusiastically supported a 'yes' vote in the Belfast Agreement referendum and is now demonstrating its commitment to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland by contributing Pounds 75,000."

Peter O'Neill, NUS-USI manager in Belfast, said the training and development scheme would not be aimed only at student union officers and activists, but also at student leaders in political parties, and voluntary, community and reconciliation groups throughout Northern Ireland.