PRESS RELEASE
21 October 2003
Statement of Most Rev. Seán Brady,
Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland
Regarding political breakthrough in Northern Ireland
Issued by the Catholic Communications Office on behalf of
Most Rev. Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland
Speaking from Rome, where he is attending celebrations in honour of the
25th Anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II and the Beatification
of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Dr Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate
of All Ireland, welcomed today’s political developments in Northern Ireland
and issued the following statement:
“I believe today’s events in Northern Ireland mark another significant
milestone on the road to a just and lasting peace. They are proof that
progress can be achieved through dialogue and that trust is built when
there is genuine commitment to the pursuit of the common good – themes
at the very heart of the Pope’s plea to the people of Ireland when he
visited us almost 25 years ago.
“The combination of words and actions which has been offered today
provides solid grounds for hoping and believing that the dark days
of the past are well and truly behind us, and that the stability,
fairness, and peace for which the people of Northern Ireland yearn,
are now within our grasp. The people of Northern Ireland deserve to
live in a normal environment without the threat of violence from any
quarter.
“As we move to the future with greater confidence, it is important
that people continue to be generous in their response to each other
and to today’s events. I warmly welcome news of fresh Assembly Elections
on 26th November next.
“Finally, I believe that today’s announcement indicates a willingness
on the part of political parties to make the Good Friday Agreement work
and to sustain the institutions that flow from it. I hope that those
engaged in the political process will contest the elections and that
voters will exercise their right to vote.”
Ends
21st October 2003
Further information:
Fr Martin Clarke (087 220 8044)
Ms Brenda Drumm (087 233 7797)
