Bishops' Advisory Commission on Doctrine
Archbishop of Dublin welcomes end of IRA violence
Press Releases
Added on 28/07/2005
The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill, speaking from abroad, today welcomed the news of the announcement of the end of the IRA ‘Armed Struggle.’
He said “I welcome the statement issued today announcing the end of the IRA’s Armed Struggle. In particular I welcome its clarity in asserting that IRA members have been instructed to engage in political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. The commitment to complete the decommissioning process is also welcome and much rests on its speedy implementation.
The existence of private armed groups like the IRA and loyalist paramilitaries is totally incompatible with a normal, democratic free society governed by the rule of law. This is as true in the Republic of Ireland as it is in Northern Ireland. This makes today’s statement a welcome development for the state and society of the Republic. Only fully accountable democratic institutions have the right and authority to act in the name of the Irish people.
The responsibility now falls on the two Governments, society north and south, and to no small extent on the Churches together to build a real peace founded on mutual understanding. I pray that God will assist us all in doing so.”
For further information contact:
Mr Garrett Casey
Diocesan Communications Officer
Dublin and Glendalough
Tel: +353 (0)1 610 6447
Mobile: +353 (0)87 235 6472