The public appeal made in recent days by Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Republican nationalist movement, to the IRA (Irish Republican Army) to finally abandon its armed struggle and continue the battle for united Ireland with exclusively political means, was welcomed with satisfaction by Archbishop Sean Brady of Armagh, Primate of Ireland. In a statement Dr. Brady declared that the words of Gerry Adams “could help to unlock a new and fresh hope in the possibility of a lasting peace in Northern Ireland”. “I hope the IRA said the Primate will respond quickly and generously. I plead with them to do so. People are weary of the old ways of the past. A new and better way is possible. This is the way of exclusively political and democratic activity, the way of patient dialogue and understanding, the way of equality and integrity. That common future includes a firm commitment to an agreed system of justice, government and law and order. It implies an end to all intimidation, subversive activity and violence”. Dr. Brady expressed the hope that the inspiration of John Paul II would help Northern Ireland to find the way to peace. He was “a man who changed hearts and minds, and even political systems across the world. He did so through honesty and truth, diplomacy and dialogue and through the courage of his convictions… He was a living example of how to make peace in a global world, of how to achieve justice with dignity and equality and with generosity”. “Destiny did not allow John Paul II to visit Northern Ireland concluded Archbishop Brady . What a joy if instead our land were to be visited with lasting peace!”
