Press Releases10 Nov 21

Statement by Archbishop John McDowell on the death of Austin Currie

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd John McDowell, has issued the following statement:

‘It was with a heartfelt sadness that I learned of the death of Austin Currie. His whole political career was founded on a desire for justice and peace, which he pursued with a single–minded focus on both sides of the Border in Ireland. In his early political life he did so at a time when it was not only unpopular, but positively dangerous to speak truth to power.

‘It was people like Austin Currie who represented the true spirit of the United States Civil Rights movement in the Northern Ireland. A responsible radical, who knew that violence can only divide, but that patience, persistent and generous public advocacy and action will lay a solid foundation for a peaceful and just society.  At a time when social and political polarisation both create and feed off a destructive and divisive populism, his contribution to peace–making serves as an example to be remembered. My prayers and sympathy are with his wife Annita, their children, and the family circle.’