Deliberative Polling® on Education Policy in Omagh, Northern Ireland

For the first time ever, a scientific random sample of parents in Northern Ireland deliberated about a serious public policy issue-their children’s educational future. The occasion was a Deliberative Poll, held in Omagh on 27 January 2007. The random sample brought together Protestants and Catholics of all shades of opinion, who then deliberated in small-group discussions and plenary sessions with panels of experts representing different policy perspectives. This was the first Deliberative Poll in a deeply divided society.

“Hearts and Minds” Broadcast Excerpt

Research

• Deliberating across Deep Divides James S. Fishkin, Robert C. Luskin, Ian O’Flynn and David Russell Political Studies

Results

• A Deliberative Poll on Education: What provision do informed parents in Northern Ireland want?

Procedures

• Briefing Document: A Deliberative Poll on Education

Press

• A difficult subject Financial Times 4/2007
• Two thirds ‘support all-ability schooling’ Irish News 2/2007
• Omagh Chosen for Unique Survey into Education System Tyrone Tribune 1/2007