THE scenes outside Holy Cross Primary School, in Belfast, yesterday were reminiscent of the bussing row in the deep south of the United States in the 1960s, or the prejudices of the Reformation 400 years ago.

They ought to have no place in today's society.

When young children, some of them on the way to their first day at school, are deliberately used as pawns in a bitter sectarian struggle, we are deeply pessimistic of hopes for peace in Northern Ireland.

Children walking to school should not have to run a gauntlet of hate, intimidation, violence, missiles and abusive language.

Children should be allowed to go the quickest way to the school of their parents' choice. They should not have to be given a police escort to enjoy that fundamental liberty.

That people are prepared to put four-year-olds through such a terrifying ordeal demonstrates the deep divisions within Northern Ireland society and the huge task of turning the dreams of the Good Friday Agreement into reality.

The tension over parades in the province is difficult for us to comprehend. Tension over children's route to school is impossible to comprehend.

The prospect of Holy Cross School taking on the symbolism of Drumcree is real.

This must not be allowed to happen - for the sake of the children involved, and for the sake of the peace process.

There is growing exasperation, both in Britain and the Irish Republic, at the deadlock in the process, and the apparent reluctance to embrace the concept of compromise.

Without a significant breakthrough over the next few weeks, the abandonment of the process could be a real possibility.

If children are being denied the right to education, many will wonder what chances there can be for the integration which must be the cornerstone of a lasting solution to Northern Ireland's troubles.

Holy Cross School could well be the turning point for Northern Ireland. But it remains to be seen whether it will be a victory for common sense or intolerance; for renewed hope or further despair.