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In a speech to be given today, Monday 5 January to Belfast Rotarians (Europa Hotel, lunch starts at 1.00pm - Moderator to speak at approx 1.35pm), Presbyterian Moderator Dr Sam Hutchinson will express the fear held by many people that the outcome of the whole political process may turn on the question of who can cause the greatest trouble, either by paramilitary violence or civil disorder, if they don't get their way.
'Honest citizens resent the recent security lapses at the Maze Prison. They also resent the the prominence given to the various paramilitaries and their associates in the media and in the corridors of power. Those who have a history of violence, or whose attitude to a final and permanent ceasefire is still ambivalent, are perceived to have an advantage over those who quietly rely on traditional democratic methods. There is a fear that the outcome of the whole political process may turn on the question of who can cause the greatest trouble, either by paramilitary violence or civil disorder, if they don't get their way. That must not be allowed to happen.'
Aware that there is not a lot of optimism around the Moderator highlights that any committed Christian is called to live in hope. 'We have to face the fact that many sinister shadows cast gloom over Northern Ireland's path in the coming days. The headlines of the last two or three weeks make sad reading and there is no guarantee that they will not be repeated. The present talks process is balanced on a knife edge and we hold our breath to see which way it tilts... There is not a great deal of optimism around, but I certainly do not give way to black pessimism. Any committed Christian is called to live in hope... Even for Northern Ireland with its seemingly intractable problems, there is a way out... I cannot say just now precisely what that solution may be but as a man of faith I believe that a solution will be found one day.'
While recognising that the present talks process is less than perfect the Moderator asks everyone to support their leaders. 'The present talks process may be less than perfect. Some aspects of it are less than ideal, but its the opportunity that lies before us now, so there's little to be gained by walking away from it. This is not the time for people of any persuasion to undermine leaders whose job is already difficult enough. All in authority, whether in Government, in political parties, or other positions of influence in the community, deserve to be supported at this critical time. For too long in this community there has been a belief that the solution to any problem is a change of personnel. How can leaders lead if they are always looking over their shoulder?'
However the Moderator is keen that all opinion is heard, particularly the voice of the 'peace-loving majority. 'Don't let the extremists control what we think, or the issues we think about. It is the majority of reasonable people who should set the agenda, not the minority of extremists. They must not be allowed to control our minds, or lead us to think that they are invincible, for they are not. They may cause horrifying distress and disruption, but in the end they cannot win, unless the silent majority loose heart and let them... While the government needs to pay more attention to the peace-loving majority, I would also urge the same majority to speak up and dispel any impression that, so long as the extremists can be bought off, others will quietly acquiesce in any proposal, however unfair or unpopular. When the promised referendum comes it will be difficult to say 'no' without seeming to be obstructionist , so the time to speak up is now, before the concrete sets.'
Speaking directly to paramilitaries Dr Hutchinson urges them to continue in ceasefire and asks for some arms or explosives to be handed in by them as a confidence building measure. 'I hope that all those paramilitary organisations that have declared ceasefires will adhere to them and not allow themselves to be sucked in to renewed violence. I hope that the others who have not yet declared ceasefire will do so without delay. I hope that those who have not yet expressed regret for their campaigns of violence will do so. I hope that paramilitary representatives will hand over at least some arms and some explosives. From a purely military viewpoint that may not be very significant, but it would be a tremendous encouragement to the non-violent majority.'
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services
Note to Editors: A full text of the Moderator's speech (6 pages) is available
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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