Diplomat Ray Bassett to reveal the hidden behind-the-scenes journey to peace at Derry event

The latest in the series of the Connections Peace Barrier Project’s ‘Did Ye Hear About?’ conversations will see Ray Bassett, the longest-serving Irish government official in the north, joining former Journal Editor, Pat McArt in Derry's Gasyard Centre, to reveal his thoughts about the Good Friday Agreement and what the future holds for the island of Ireland.

This major event will he held on Tuesday, February 17 at 2.00pm.

Born in Dublin, Ray Bassett was a key figure behind the scenes during the peace process, eventually becoming Joint Secretary to the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Belfast.

He later served as Irish ambassador to Canada, Jamaica and the Bahamas.

In 2020 he published a book ‘Ireland and the EU Post Brexit’ and last year published his latest book ‘The Travellers Tale’, a behind-the-scenes account of his role as an Irish diplomat during the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

In that publication he details the vital work of the ‘travellers’ – a group in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin who first travelled North long before the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking recently, Ray Bassett stated: ‘When the Troubles broke out it was clear Dublin really hadn’t a clue what was going on across the Border. Intelligence gathering had been left to the Gardai and they were not equipped in any shape or form to carry out that role. 

‘So, a number of colleagues and myself were dispatched to get a handle on what was really happening. Our work went on for years.  There were some real security concerts at the outset as we travelled to all arts and parts, particularly some loyalist areas where representatives from the Dublin government were not exactly embraced with open arms. But we kept going. We talked to numerous people from all sections of the community. And we got to know their concerns.  That was essential to our understanding of the Troubles."

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Ray added: ‘It is my contention the peace process was built on the back of that work. Talking to people on the ground was, as I said, absolutely essential. Bertie Ahern told me that every Sunday morning he would sit down and go through our reports. Brian Cowen the same. It shaped what was to be future Irish government policy.’

Speaking about next week’s event, Chris McDonagh, organiser said: ‘We are very excited to host Ray Bassett as part of our 'Did Ye Hear About' series. Our ability to attract a speaker of Ray's calibre is a testament to the importance of the difficult conversations that we are having in our community, addressing the issues of the past in an effort to strengthen our peace and move reconciliation forward.

‘Mr. Bassett is one of few, uniquely placed to provide insight to the nuance and sensitivities of the negotiations that got the Good Friday Agreement across the line and helped deliver peace here. We look forward to exploring Ray's long career in diplomacy and his thoughts on the future of our island.’

To reserve your seat please CLICK HERE to register.