Reid warning over alienation

John Reid: To make a speech in Liverpool

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid has warned about the dangers of Protestants feeling a sense of rejection in Northern Ireland.

He made the comments in an address to the Institute of Irish Studies at Liverpool University on Wednesday evening.

Dr Reid called on politicians and the churches to do more to tackle sectarianism in both communities.

He said: "Sectarianism taints every aspect of life it touches.

There seems to be a collective paralysis stemming from fear and a lack of shared vision

John Reid

"It blights and corrupts the very young people who are the key to Northern Ireland's future.

"I am well aware of the heroic efforts made by many individuals and organisations in Northern Ireland to combat sectarianism.

"On the other hand I never cease to be amazed by the lack of concerted political leadership behind these efforts.

"There seems to be a collective paralysis stemming from fear and a lack of shared vision."

Dr Reid argued there was an onus on church leaders to move beyond the limits of their own religious doctrines and promote a society of which everyone could feel a part.

Peace

Addressing the two communities directly, he said that Catholics were part of the establishment in Northern Ireland as never before.

But he acknowledged continuing unease, and a sense that Catholics still did not feel totally at home.

He said: "The Catholic community today breathes confidence, coherence and dynamism and yet there is still a deep sense of unease.

"At the same time the unionist community's confidence has declined".

He warned that "Northern Ireland must not become a cold place for Protestants", or "we will have failed".

Dr Reid also said he was proud of his own Britishness, but his own role in the province was limited.

He made it clear that ultimately it was up to the two communities to persuade each other that they can live together in peace.