Role of parades negotiator Jim Roddy recognised at Londonderry Chamber of Commerce dinner

The award was presented at the Chamber’s annual President’s Dinner which was staged in the city’s White Horse Hotel on Friday evening.

The citation recognised Jim Roddy’s key role in cementing peace and reconciliation across Northern Ireland.

“It is the often thankless and unseen work that Jim does that we celebrate,” said the citation.

“Living in a divided community there is always potential to create division and friction, Jim has for many years worked quietly and tirelessly to listen, mediate and negotiate an understanding between individuals, communities, bands and loyal Orange Orders to bring about a resolution, tolerance and acceptance of each other’s culture.

“It is widely recognised that Jim believes strongly in partnerships whereby people come together building sustainable relations and work towards a unity of purpose. He is the fixer, not only from a community perspective, but would also be the ‘go to person’ to facilitate connections for the PSNI, statutory agencies, political parties, and indeed both governments on this island.

“Just last month, the three-year dispute at Twaddell Avenue in Belfast came to a negotiated conclusion.

“It was the long, protracted and often fraught hard work of many in the community that brought closure to this dispute. However, it was the delicate work of facilitation and negotiation by both Jim Roddy and Rev Harold Good that were fundamental to the positive resolution.”

Mr. Roddy was awarded an MBE by the Queen of England for his services to business and to the community in Londonderry.