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North West welcomes Stormont pact 08.02.10
THE agreement reached
at Stormont last week has been roundly welcomed
throughout the North West.
Bishop Ken Good of the Church of Ireland Diocese of
Derry and Raphoe welcomed the announcement of
political agreement between Sinn Féin and the DUP on
the devolution of policing and justice. He said:
"The fact that political agreement has been reached
on this difficult issue is to be commended. These
past weeks have been frustrating for all of us as we
have waited for political leaders to come to come to
an accommodation. The fact that this has eventually
been reached is to be welcomed."
He said he hoped the North's political leaders could
now focus on the economic and social challenges that
lay ahead. |
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"The greatest challenge
of political leadership, in any time and in any
place, is to act for the common good. We now look to
the future as we welcome this significant moment in
the politics of our community. We encourage our
leaders to expend great energy and to find common
purpose in successfully meeting the economic and
social challenges that lie ahead.
"This breakthrough may release a logjam that has
held back decision-making in other areas of
political life. If our politicians will seek
accommodation for the common good in other decisions |
affecting everyday life
they will find significant goodwill for their
efforts from all sides," added Bishop Good.
Meanwhile, Derry Mayor Cllr Paul Fleming said the
agreement around a number of outstanding issues
would be broadly welcomed by the citizens of the
city and district.
"I would like to commend the elected representatives
involved in what was obviously a difficult and
protracted negotiation and we now look forward to
progress being made on the matters which affect the
everyday lives of our communities," said Cllr
Fleming.
"This is a satisfying day for anyone interested in
securing equality and partnership within our society
and I hope that the tangible benefits will soon
become apparent to us all," he added. |
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