Archbishop's tribute to clergy who fought for peace

The All-Ireland Catholic Primate has paid tribute to the clergy who played a vital role in securing the first IRA ceasefire 10 years ago today.

Archbishop of Armagh Dr Sean Brady praised those involved in nurturing a “culture of peace” and said progress made over the last decade should act as great encouragement.

He reserved special praise for the Protestant clergymen who risked their lives during the earlier years of the Troubles to engage with the Republican movement.

“It is a welcome fact that in the year ahead I will administer Confirmation to children in Northern Ireland who, for the first time in several generations, have grown up free from the daily memory of killings, bombings, funerals and tears,” he said.

“More than anything, this much improved situation should make us grateful for the progress of the last 10 years, however imperfect and incomplete.

“It should spur all of us on to try to achieve even greater progress in the months and in the years ahead.”

Dr Brady said that while a stable society must be worked at and should not be taken for granted, there was reason to celebrate the significant anniversary.

“It is again time for all sides to take risks, and such an opportunity presents itself to the parties as they face into talks next month in Kent,” he added.

A delegation of leading Ulster Unionist politicians, including MLA Sir Reg Empey, was meeting Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen in Dublin today as negotiations between all parties continue.

The British and Irish governments will engage in various talks over the coming three weeks in an attempt to restore the power-sharing executive in Belfast.

Preliminary discussions are due to take place at Parliament Buildings in Stormont this week. The full talks will take place from September 16 to 18 at Leeds Castle, Kent.