Congress comment on IRA Statement
28 Jul 2005
The Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions today commented on the statement by the IRA informing the public that they had called an end to their armed campaign.
Speaking on behalf of the Northern Ireland Committee, Peter Bunting, Assistant General Secretary, said:
'The Trade Union Movement has worked tirelessly for more than 30 years now to secure an end to sectarianism, discrimination and paramilitary activity. We supported the referendum which led to the Good Friday Agreement and we have worked unceasingly to have this Agreement fully implemented. Today's announcement by the IRA is a major step forward. Much more needs to be done and time will tell if this contribution to the peace process will bear the fruits which we all desire.
It is appropriate, therefore, that the Trade Union Movement calls on all other paramilitary organisations to end all of their undemocratic and anti-social behaviour.
This new window opens opportunities for our society and our politicians. We urge all of our politicians to engage in urgent discussions to ensure a return to Devolved Government. Northern Ireland faces serious problems in funding our education service, the provision of adequate housing and health services, along with modern water and sewerage systems. Let us now get on with the job of securing these and other matters to the benefit of our community.
The Trade Union Movement looks forward to working with all of our democratic politicians in, what we hope, is a new future for Northern Ireland.'
ends