Northern Ireland must tackle good relations

The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action warmly welcomes the commitment of the First Minister to deal with division in Northern Ireland and promote tolerance, equality, mutual respect and respect for the rule of law.

NICVA chief executive, Seamus McAleavey said:

"Urgent action is needed to tackle sectarianism and racism in Northern Ireland. Whatever the precise cost of division in Northern Ireland, there is no doubt that our society is still split by sectarianism and increasingly facing problems with racism.

"There is also a huge financial cost in lost jobs and money wasted every year on the duplication of services. Sadly it is people living in poverty who are losing out most – people living in disadvantaged areas now are most likely to have suffered during the Troubles."

Momentum needs to be sustained

NICVA also welcomed Dr Paisley’s announcement that proposals will be brought forward on this issue.

"Northern Ireland has had a political triumph by setting up the power-sharing Executive but that we need to keep the momentum going by moving swiftly to confront the prejudice and mistrust in the minds of people.

"Eradicating sectarianism and building a shared society at ease with itself must be a top priority for the Executive. Healing our decades and centuries of sectarian bitterness is essential for the prosperous, peaceful and successful society the First Minister talks about."