Stalled peace process 'damaging politics'
The lack of progress in Northern Ireland’s peace process is eroding public interest in politics, the Primate of Ireland’s Anglicans warned today.
In his address to the first Church of Ireland Synod to be held in Armagh, Archbishop Robin Eames said he was concerned at falling voter numbers and the lack of interest in politicians among young people.
He told the Synod’s 600 delegates: “It must be a matter of concern when we are confronted with evidence of public disenchantment with the political process.
“Figures of those casting their votes at an election, the results of independent research into attitudes and opinions expressed, particularly by young people, indicate a weariness with that part of the peace process which concerns political agreement.
“Understandable though this attitude is, as the apparent speed of political progress has varied, it is a dangerous and regrettable aspect of community life here at present.
“It further illustrates the urgent need for political progress to replace growing disenchantment on the part of many.”
