One of the most-prominent voices for peace and moderation during the Troubles has warned that the North faces much uncertainty if political leaders are unable to reach a compromise.
Robin Eames – who as leader of the Church of Ireland from 1986-2006 played a key role in reaching out to loyalist and republican paramilitaries in a bid to bring about peace – insists that the peace process cannot be taken for granted.
In a candid new book in which he deals with issues as diverse as his role in the controversial Drumcree standoff and the ordination of women within the Church, Lord Eames says the current political impasse makes many people ask “had anything changed?”
He is also warning that uncertainty created by Brexit makes the need for a return to devolved government in the North all the more urgent.
In Unfinished Search, Lord Eames says he is very concerned about the current deadlock between the DUP and Sinn Féin. “The continuing vacuum caused by a failure to reach agreement has further contributed to anxiety about the future of Northern Ireland,” he says.
Unfinished Search is published by Columba Press priced £17.99 or €19.99.