Archbishop of Armagh Celebrates 'New Spirit' Across Northern Ireland

The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev Alan Harper, has expressed his hope in the future of Northern Ireland in a message for Pentecost.

He welcomed the new power-sharing arrangement between Democratic Unionist Party leader, Ian Paisley, and Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams, saying, "New structures of government and signs of a new cordiality among political leaders of all parties are convincing signs of a new spirit abroad across the whole community in Northern Ireland.

"It is with great thanksgiving to Almighty God that we now look forward, with renewed hope and confidence, to a peaceful and prosperous shared future."

Archbishop Harper added: "My prayer is that this new spirit may also begin to enable more progress to be made in resolving the difficult issues associated with contentious parades."

Years of deadlock between the Protestant DUP and the Catholic IRA came to an end earlier in the month when the two parties opened the new power-sharing government in a ceremony at Stormont attended by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, who have led the peace process over the past decade.

Under the agreement, ministries will be shared, with the DUP running the finance, economy, environment and culture portfolios, while Sinn Fein takes education, regional development and agriculture.

Archbishop Harper said that generosity was now essential to maintain peaceful relationships.

"New attitudes and new structures are creating a completely new working environment. In that spirit what is now needed is generosity on all sides so that, with a little give and take, accommodations can be reached that all parties can live with.

"My prayer at this season of Pentecost is that the Holy Spirit, the Counsellor, will enable the fruits of dialogue to become evident in a new spirit of mutual tolerance and respect."