Press Releases11 Nov 03

SECRETARY OF STATE MEETS CHURCH OF IRELAND GROUP

A meeting was held today between the Church of Ireland Legislation & Politics Committee (NI) and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Paul Murphy, MP, in Church of Ireland House, Belfast.

The meeting coincided with the Armistice Day remembrance of those who had died in the service of their country and in defence of freedom. The Secretary of State took part in a short Service of Remembrance. The opening prayers were conducted by Canon Walter Lewis. At 11 o’clock, Rt Hon Paul Murphy led the act of remembrance and the two minutes silence. Rt Rev Michael Jackson, Bishop of Clogher, led the act of commitment.

It was entirely appropriate and poignant that a meeting between church and state – in a shared quest for peace with justice in Northern Ireland – should begin in this way.

Canon Lewis, Chairman of the Committee, warmly welcomed the Secretary of State, who talked about his understanding of the current political situation in Northern Ireland in advance of the Assembly Elections on November 26.

Paul Murphy described himself as an optimist by temperament and did not view the elections and their outcome – whatever that might be – negatively. He observed a seriousness of intent by all parties here to engage in political discussion; and a preference by all parties for devolved self-government rather than direct rule. He supported that view, saying, “A good Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive is preferable to a good Northern Ireland Office”.

Looking back to his days here as a Junior Minister, he pointed out that there has been positive political development: “Northern Ireland is a better place to live in now than ten years ago”. He referred to such things as new investment, increased employment, a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone, and people going about their ordinary business in Belfast city centre. He said that much still needed to be done for areas of deprivation and neglect in Northern Ireland, and that that will be a priority for the future.

Ho pointed out that, of course, there is still some way to go to build up trust and transparency in the political and peace processes. Often, it is a case of one step forward, two steps back. But things are steadily, if slowly and painstakingly, changing for the better.

Paul Murphy made a special point of acknowledging the invaluable work of the Churches in their practical efforts for understanding, dialogue, reconciliation and peace at local level and between the Church leaders.

Further information from:

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