Press Releases05 Mar 10

Archbishop of Armagh: Statement on Building Political Progress, NI

‘Build on the progress that has been made.’
Statement by the Most Revd Alan Harper
Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

St Paul, reminding us of our mutual obligation, one to another, wrote to the Christians of Rome, ‘Live in harmony with one another … Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.’ (Romans 12.16a, 17-18). This is exactly what is required of all the people of Northern Ireland and especially those in positions of leadership if we are to ensure that the peace we have begun to enjoy is truly embedded.
 
The First and Deputy First Ministers, meeting Church leaders on February 26, spoke of the Hillsborough Castle Agreement which provided for the devolution of Policing and Justice. They also described ongoing work to deal with the issues of Parades, Improving Executive Functions, Outstanding Executive Business, and other matters pending from the St Andrews Agreement.

It is clear that since February 5 considerable progress has been made. This progress is due to the commitment and cooperation of all the main parties, not least those that were not originally participants in the Hillsborough negotiations, becoming included only at a very late stage. Such work on the part of the Ulster Unionist Party, the SDLP, the PUP and the Alliance Party deserves special recognition. It demonstrates the common commitment of all the parties, so far as it depends on them, to live at peace and to build not only stable structures of government but also positive social relationships in order to ensure that there will be no to return to the sterility and violence of the past.
 
Recent events, including the mortar bombs at Keady, the car bomb at Newry and the murder of Ciaran Doherty outside Londonderry, have demonstrated the intent and capacity of some, a tiny faction, to try to turn back the clock. They will not succeed. The determination of the leaders of all the parties to build on the progress that has been made, together with the undoubted support of ordinary people for constructive, efficient and purposeful ‘partnership government’, will ensure that violence and division do not return to our streets. Our political leaders deserve the wholehearted support of everyone as they seek to accomplish, under God, the difficult task given to them.   

ENDS