The British-Irish Council: Progress frustrated

The British-Irish Council (BIC), established by the 1998 Belfast Agreement, includes representatives from the British and Irish governments, the devol ved administrations, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It aims to pr omote the sharing of ideas and practical co-operation on matters of mutual interest across a range of policy areas. The Council may agree 'common poli cies and actions', but members are free to opt-out and can pursue further b ilateral and multi-lateral co-operation. By summer 2001, though, the BIC ha d held just one summit and two sectoral meetings. The fate of the Agreement , the changing dynamics of post-devolution British-Irish relations, the Cou ncil's working practices, and the political will and resources of BIC membe rs will dictate its future effectiveness.