‘Increased dialogue with Unionist community the way forward’ – Kearney
Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has delivered a lecture on the theme of ‘Reconciliation’ in Darkley House, South Armagh as part of the Darkley House Festival Week. In the course of his wide ranging speech Mr Kearney acknowledged the enormous hurt on all sides caused by the conflict, including in south Armagh. The Sinn Féin Chairperson also called on unionist political leaders to engage fully in the process of building reconciliation, stating that Sinn Féin wanted an increased dialogue with the wider Protestant and Unionist community. Opening his speech Declan told those present, “Mention of Darkley for many immediately evokes memories of the killings at Mountain Lodge Gospel Hall, not far from here. That terrible event scarred our whole society, but also left a huge burden of pain within that small congregation which was attacked, and the broader community to which it belonged. The legacy of the Mountain Lodge Gospel Hall killings is part of a legacy we all now share.” Outlining the vision and hope shared by Martin McGuinness and the Sinn Fein leadership for an authentic reconciliation process across the island, he said, “The reality is that our communities and country continues to be blighted by deep divisions, hurt and fear. The war and conflict in our society were created and perpetuated by historic and systematic political and economic injustices.” “But while the conditions of conflict have been addressed the legacy of division, hurt and fear caused to all sides has the potential to be passed on from one generation to the next – unless we collectively decide to stop that trans generational cycle beginning. We cannot undo the past, nor can we, or, should we forget. But we should not allow the past to place a brake on our future.” Declan stated that Sinn Fein wanted to see political unionism play a full part also. “Courage, confidence, leadership and vision from us all will be necessary to open up this new phase; to open out the dialogue; to take a lead in stretching out the hand of real friendship; and, slowly, ever slowly creating trust. Some unionists seek to undermine these discussions by misrepresenting republican sincerity as a devious trap. They are utterly disingenuous: the only mind games being played out are in their own heads.” “Unionist political leaders have a very important contribution to make to the pursuit of reconciliation. I understand that they may harbour doubts and suspicions, or even fears, about the challenges and risks we all face in building reconciliation and trust. If that is so, then let’s discuss how these suspicions or fears can be addressed. None of us should fear reconciliation or equality. Instead we should try to build common ground.”

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