Press Releases10 Mar 09

Joint Statement from the Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin on the Attack at Massereene Barracks and at Craigavon

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd Alan Harper, OBE, and the Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, the Most Revd Dr John Neill, have made the following joint statement with which the Standing Committee of the Church of Ireland at its meeting on 10 March 2009 wished to be associated:

‘We are shocked and outraged at the murderous attack upon soldiers and civilians at the Massereene Barracks, Antrim last Saturday evening, 7th March, and again last night at the murder of a policeman in Craigavon. We believe that sense of outrage is shared by an overwhelming majority of people in Ireland. We extend our sympathy and prayers to all who have been bereaved, injured or traumatised.

The people of Ireland North and South have agreed to move forward through political process. The Good Friday Agreement signed by political representatives was confirmed in referenda that established a commitment to forge a peaceful, inclusive and respectful future. The actions of an unrepresentative minority will not be allowed to disrupt the democratic process and turn us back to darker days.’