Press Releases05 Nov 09

Statement Following IMC Report by the Archbishop of Armagh

STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE IMC REPORT BY THE MOST REVD ALAN HARPER, OBE, ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH AND PRIMATE OF ALL IRELAND

The assessment released yesterday by the Independent Monitoring Commission makes grim reading. In my recent Synod address I expressed serious concern about rising levels of tension in the community as a result of hostile activity perpetrated by groups that refuse to accept the commitment to peaceful and democratic processes clearly expressed by all the people of Ireland. I also indicated particular concern about the threats posed by emergent dissident groups to vulnerable young people. It is imperative that further progress now be made to build confidence in the stability and the efficacy of local political institutions. Confidence building measures include completion of the process required for the devolution of policing and justice powers, together with renewed efforts to resolve outstanding difficulties surrounding contentious parades. We need to show clearly that devolved politics works and so deny to those who wish to take us back to the darkness of the past any justification, legitimate or otherwise, for their actions.

ENDS