Let Talk - Bernard Conlon about his culture shock in Brussels pt2

In this episode of Let's Talk, Bernard Conlon, political journalist & writer, talks about the culture shock he got in going the Brussels compared to his experience of being in Belfast.

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Bernard Conlon was born in Glengormley, Co. Antrim, near Belfast. He was educated by the Christian Brothers’ and at the Belfast College of Business Studies. He studied history, politics and communications, at what is now Ulster University. He also did a period of journalism training.

Research and press work for the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), in the early 1980s proved an invaluable springboard. In 1984 Bernard won a trip to New York and Washington. This included a meeting with the then Speaker of the House, Tip O Neill. In 1985 came a Schuman Scholarship in the European Parliament in Luxembourg. This, he said, "sprung me into an exotic exile.” A job with a Brussels publisher quickly ensued.

Following this intensive three year learning-curve, Bernard did an array of things as an independent journalist and consultant. He was, for example, Brussels correspondent for Public Service Magazine, published by the UK's First Division Association. Configuring campaigns and producing publications for a leading European trade union federation and advisory work for journalist organisations was undertaken. Teaching and associate lecturing for the Open University's Benelux scheme and Mons University was also delivered.

In the early 2000s Bernard started spending more time back home. He worked on Urban II, an EU urban regeneration programme in North Belfast, where he had gone to school in turbulent times. In 2007 a former Brussels associate, Dr Hatto Fischer, invited Bernard to Athens to a "Kids Guernica" exhibition. Kids Guernica supported the painting of portable peace murals inspired by Picasso's Guernica. A Belfast Kids Guernica mural was created and curated.

Bernard did further community sector and peace-building work, which included making documentaries. He has also set up a "community interest company" for publishing and other projects. This currently provides the context for a “poetry process.”

Brexit has seen Bernard resume political writing once again. For instance, he has contributed to a textbook for UK students and to website and other publications on the UK’s vexed departure from the European Union. Collaborating with a raft of close associates and spending time in different European countries and visiting North America, forms part of his approach.

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Please watch: "(31) Let's Talk: Haiku "
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