Political parties in Northern Ireland that endorsed the agreement were also invited to consider the establishment of an independent consultation forum for civil society with members with expertise in social, cultural, economic and other issues, appointed by both administrations. A framework for the North-South Consultation Forum was agreed in 2002 and in 2006 the Northern Ireland Executive agreed that it would support its establishment. The vague wording of some provisions, called “constructive ambiguity”[8], helped ensure acceptance of the agreement and postponed debate on some of the most controversial issues. These include paramilitary dismantling, police reform and the standardisation of Northern Ireland. I am not sure what is meant by “protecting the union.”