Press Releases
Comment from Archbishop Eames in response to announcement of governments' plans for devolution in Northern Ireland
Following the meeting with the Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Armagh today, Archbishop Robin Eames said:
?Together with the leaders of the other Churches in Northern Ireland I met the Prime Minister and Taoiseach in Armagh this morning.
?I believe the whole of this society should take a little time to consider the proposals and not engage in knee-jerk reactions. I would offer credit to both Governments for their continuing efforts to suggest a way forward. The dangers of further drift or political vacuum are real.
?Experience shows us that you cannot legislate for reconciliation. Any political solution must be transparent and offer equal responsibility to all the parties. There must be a real prospect that the parties in the Assembly will receive the support they need from the community to participate with confidence. The trust that is essential for progress must become the priority for us all, irrespective of background.
?In building trust, we will have to face up to uncomfortable truths about our society, our past and our present before we can shape our future. I believe that the faith communities, the political parties and every part of society need to enter a period of conscientious self-reflection.
?A devolved administration made up of local politicians dealing with real matters is in the interest of all of us. The onus on our politicians to find a way forward is now paramount. I hope all political parties will seriously consider these proposals. Civic society deserves nothing less.?
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