Trevor Ringland's recent appointment as special envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland

seemed to catch a lot of people off guard.

The Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said the solicitor and former Irish Rugby International

will represent the UK government in Northern Ireland, working to support its best interests in the US.

But the appointment has not been without its critic.

Sinn Féin's Deputy First Minister, no less, called it arrogant and disrespectful.

So who does speak for Northern Ireland?

And to what extent do those who do manage to speak with one voice?

Peter?

To answer your question, I think we all should speak for Northern Ireland,

whether it's politicians, academics, civic society.

All of us are a responsibility to promote this place. Deirdre? I think the contested nature of Northern Ireland, both its past

and its future, means that it's impossible for one voice to represent Northern Ireland. The conundrum

is really to present the complexity and diversity of Northern Ireland to challenge the myths and the stereotypes

and try as far as possible to present an authentic version of life here today.

Shane?

Yeah, I mean, the short answer, if we're talking about Washington, D.C. is whoever's in the room.

You know, it's a contact sport here, and most of the time it's not the British government

or the unionist perspective that's in the room in D.C. Well, it's not the British government or the Union's perspective

that's in the room in D.C. Well, it's clear there's now quite a list of individuals and

organizations who can lay claim to speak for this place. The problem is they don't always seem to

be singing off the same song sheet. That's what we're discussing on this week's red lines in the

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