Children of the Troubles hold key to peace

A GENERATION which has grown up knowing nothing but the violence of the Northern Ireland Troubles is playing a crucial role in Friday's referendum decision on whether the peace process has a future.

The battle is on to secure the allegiance of the 26 per cent of voters aged 18-30 who, according to an opinion poll, are undecided on how to vote. Of those who have made up their mind, 66 per cent intend to vote Yes, and 34 per cent No.

On an electoral base of 324,387 for that age group, it means 84,000 young people are still weighing their options.

David Trimble and John Hume are expected to appear together for the first time in the campaign at a concert in Belfast's Waterfront Hall tonight. Bono, of the band U2, is also expected to be there. Two thousand Protestant and Catholic sixth-formers from across the Province will be in the audience.

A source close to Mr Trimble said last night: "This agreement is all about securing the future of the young people of Northern Ireland. Standing on the stage at the Waterfront will enable him to appeal to young voters for whom we are trying to build the peace."

In the final days before the poll there is an attempt by the Yes campaign to deliver a 70 per cent majority for the accord, which is seen by the British and Irish governments as providing a mandate and forming a secure basis for next month's elections to a new assembly.

The Prime Minister will visit the province for a second time in two weeks to safeguard the Stormont agreement. Visits are also expected by William Hague and Paddy Ashdown.

Polls continue to show many voters are still undecided. One in the Daily Telegraph shows that across all age groups 21 per cent are undecided. But, say researchers, it is the young undecided who are likely to swing behind the peace settlement.

The polls also show the accord has the overwhelming support of Catholics. In the 18-30 age group 75 per cent of those intending to vote Yes were Catholics, and across all ages, in the Telegraph poll this rose to 89 per cent.

The same survey indicates that among Protestants 43 per cent say they will vote in favour, with 27 per cent against and another 27 per cent still making up their minds. This appears to show an upturn for the Yes camp among Unionists. An Irish Times poll last week showed 45 per cent of them intended to vote No, and 35 per cent Yes.

Policing Ulster, page 11