Sometimes a more impressionistic approach may need to be taken, which is easier said than done, as I know myself. Some people found too many meetings with the politicians, or the visit to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, as not relevant. But overall the programme seems to have worked well and there were no dissatisfied customers at the end of the day. The others seemed quite happy with the focus. On differences to expectations, one person had envisaged a conference and was pleasantly surprised.
Responses here are really dependent on individual interests, as indicated regarding education.
On the last point, a look at the work of one of the more dynamic Community Relation Officers locally might have been good, but to encapsulate all of these different interests would have necessitated another ten-day stay. Clem had told me in discussion before the visit something to the effect that he felt they had had more than enough of theory and techniques. Nevertheless, some more direct connection with like-minded theorists working in an unlike situation might have been fruitful, if feasible, but that would have been a different program me. Someone felt there were too many meetings in the day anyhow. One person felt that they were expected to know more about the situation in Northern Ireland than they did, so that papers before arrival or a general introduction at the start might have been useful.