Northern Ireland

Church leaders tell Tánaiste Simon Coveney of "willingness and desire to assist" on devolution

Pictured at Iveagh House in Dublin during yesterday's meeting between the leaders of Ireland’s main churches and Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney are (left to right) Fergal Mythen, Director General, Ireland, UK and Americas Division, Simon Coveney, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Rev William Davison, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Rev Dr Charles McMullen, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Clogher (representing Rev Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland) and Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches
Pictured at Iveagh House in Dublin during yesterday's meeting between the leaders of Ireland’s main churches and Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney are (left to right) Fergal Mythen, Director General, Ireland, UK and Pictured at Iveagh House in Dublin during yesterday's meeting between the leaders of Ireland’s main churches and Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney are (left to right) Fergal Mythen, Director General, Ireland, UK and Americas Division, Simon Coveney, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Rev William Davison, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Rev Dr Charles McMullen, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Clogher (representing Rev Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland) and Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches

THE leaders of Ireland's main churches have told Tánaiste Simon Coveney of their "willingness and desire to assist" where needed to help restore devolvution to Northern Ireland.

The meeting at Iveagh House in Dublin follows meetings with the north's political parties last month, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley earlier this month,.

The group included Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh Dr Richard Clarke, President of the Methodist Church Rev William Davison , Monsignor Joseph McGuinness - representing Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Primate - Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Rev Charles McMullen and Rev Brian Anderson, President of the Irish Council of Churches.

After the meeting, the group said: "The absence of devolved government in Northern Ireland (is) affecting many areas of community life, the delivery of public services and cross border co-operation.

"...We welcomed the opportunity to hear the Irish government’s assessment of the current situation.

"While not underestimating the challenges involved in moving forward, we emphasised the importance of dialogue and finding the space that encourages engagement and participation."