Principles of reconciliation and mediation should inspire political leaders in the North to re-establish an Executive and Assembly – O’Dowd

The core principles of reconciliation and mediation that are enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement should encourage political leaders to come together and re-establish the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael TD for Louth and Chair of the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Fergus O’Dowd said: “This Easter marks the25th anniversary since the successful conclusion of Agreement on April the 10th, 1998. The Agreement was an extraordinary achievement, forged after marathon discussions between all the parties and community leaders in Northern Ireland.

“The Agreement however remains under threat, despite the fact that the majority of voters in Northern Ireland supported its implementation. No Ministers presently hold office in Stormont, elected members cannot debate legislation and Committee Rooms lie silent and unused.

“The DUP has not taken elected position as Deputy First Minister and the Assembly cannot meet until they are satisfied that their seven tests around the Protocol are met. Significantly, the North South Bodies which are a key component of the GFA no longer meet and critical meetings between Ministers North and South are at a standstill, thus delaying further economic progress north and south.

“Space has been given by all to the DUP to make up their minds about the proposed changes to the protocol and if further movement is needed to get their consent. Let’s see and examine carefully what can be done.

“However, the dark cloud of violence still hangs over the North following a raised threat level after an increase in levels of terrorism activity.

“I now believe we need a fresh look at how we can encourage Unionists to get back to the negotiation table and most importantly get back to open and honest dialogue. The lasting peace the Good Friday Agreement has brought must be protected and secured for our future generations at all costs.

“We must also renew our focus on strengthening reconciliation on both sides. It is clear the Good Friday Agreement succeeded in ending violence, but progress is still needed if we are to truly secure a lasting peace and a shared society. Meeting the needs of Victims  of the Troubles must also remain at the core of all our efforts  at achieving reconciliation.

“I am using every opportunity as both Chair of the Oireachtas Good Friday Implementation Committee and separately as Chair of the Fine Gael Northern Ireland Engagement Group to engage with all sides in Northern Ireland to both secure the principles of the GFA and to re-establish the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.

“My committee has met with Church leaders, community and political leaders in Derry, Newry and Armagh. We have also met with Ministers and politicians in Westminster, Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, and other Senators and Congressmen in the Capitol Buildings in Washington , as well as discussions with senior officials in the US State Department in Washington and Irish American Leaders.

“Peace in Northern Ireland remains a process. Some provisions of the Agreement are yet to be implemented while implementation in other areas needs much greater focus and determination to progress. Fundamentally, we urgently need renewed commitment to mediation and reconciliation,” Deputy O’Dowd concluded.