A key piece of attitudinal research was released today. On the face of it the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2001 confirms the widespread belief that the two communities are increasingly divided on on every matter of substance around the 'Peace Process'. The lead authors, University of Ulster researchers Joanne Hughes and Caitlin Donnelly, said in a statement it was crucial for politicians and community activists ``to explore the factors contributing to recent negative trends and to identify strategies that might address the concerns of both communities.''

Still, there seems to be a shift in tone in the leadership of the Orange Order with regard to the Drumcree Crisis (or Drumcree VIII, as it is known locally). Meanwhile David Trimble is pressurising for a collective strategy to deal with the violence.