The Presbyterian Moderator and the leader of Sinn Fein have agreed
renewed efforts are needed to tackle sectarianism in Northern Ireland.
Dr Norman Hamilton (pictured) met with Gerry Adams at the party's
headquarters on the Falls Road in Belfast this week to discuss a range
of issues.
Fresh from a meeting with the GAA the day before, which
incidentally was the first ever meeting between that organisation and a
Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Hamilton said, “Sectarianism must be
confronted,” and that it was “important when there is a sectarian issue
that comes from one side that that side acknowledges it and we do our
best to say that is not what we want.”
“It was a sturdy and robust meeting. Obviously we think very
differently about certain things, but it was a very useful and good
natured meeting. It is imperative that we are a bit more proactive on
both sides.”
Agreeing that sectarianism is a problem, Mr Adams said, “I think one
of the ways to tackle sectarianism is to be anti-sectarian and to lead
by example. Sinn Fein's perception of all of this is that sectarianism
was a means of control, of keeping Catholics in their place and keeping
Protestants in their place also.”
“In the middle of all that, you have to deal with both ignorance and intolerance.”
Dr Hamilton also confirmed that he has agreed to meet more regularly
with political parties from both sides of the community from now on.
Both leaders also confirmed that while the parades issue was not
discussed that it would be discussed at future meetings.
SIC: CIN/IE