That's a reality that those who've been vocal about peace work recognize too. Constantly running into roadblocks. Bombs going off. Getting news that people have been killed. Though you may not be affected physically, spiritually, psychologically and emotionally, you are affected by it.
Violence is disastrous.
Despite failed attempts to find a permanent solution, Northern Irish have always managed to pull back from the brink that could amount to civil war. Dunlop takes hope from knowing that in spite of the mayhem paramilitary groups have caused. It got close sometimes, but it never tipped over. Conflict experts say that opposition always escalates when a solution to the problem is near. So with a political settlement a real possibility in Northern Ireland, killings now are especially nerve-racking.