Co-operation Ireland’s Joint Patron Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message to the people of Northern Ireland on the centenary of the Government of Ireland Act coming into effect.
Said Chairman of Co-operation Ireland Dr. Christopher Moran,
“As Chairman of Co-operation Ireland, I was deeply honoured to help facilitate the State Visit by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip to Ireland in 2011, the historic handshake between The Queen and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in Northern Ireland in 2012, and the State Visit by the President of Ireland, His Excellency Michael D. Higgins and Mrs. Sabina Higgins to London in 2014.
“I have also been honoured to host many Anglo-Irish events in my home, Crosby Moran Hall, including the meeting between Her Majesty The Queen and the President of Ireland, Her Excellency Mary McAleese in 2005 and the unveiling by The Queen of her portrait by Northern Irish artist Colin Davidson in 2016, when representatives of the British and Irish Governments and all of the political parties of Northern Ireland gathered together for the occasion.
“As we reflect on the past century and contemplate the future together, Co-operation Ireland looks forward to continuing its vital work in peace and reconciliation for all the many talented and diverse people of Northern Ireland and across the Island of Ireland.”
___________
Read Her Majesty’s message in full:
A century ago, the Government of Ireland Act came into effect, and today marks a significant centenary for both the United Kingdom and Ireland. This anniversary reminds us of our complex history, and provides an opportunity to reflect on our togetherness and our diversity.
In Northern Ireland today, there is, perhaps more than ever, a rich mix of identities, backgrounds and aspirations, and an outward-looking and optimistic mindset. The political progress in Northern Ireland and the peace process is rightly credited to a generation of leaders who had the vision and courage to put reconciliation before division. But above all, the continued peace is a credit to its people, upon whose shoulders the future rests.
It is clear that reconciliation, equality and mutual understanding cannot be taken for granted, and will require sustained fortitude and commitment. During my many visits to Northern Ireland, I have seen these qualities in abundance, and look forward to seeing them again on future occasions.
I also wish to recognise the important contribution made by our friends and closest neighbours towards the success of Northern Ireland. I look back with fondness on the visit Prince Philip and I paid to Ireland, ten years ago this month. I treasure my many memories, and the spirit of goodwill I saw at first hand.
Across generations, the people of Northern Ireland are choosing to build an inclusive, prosperous, and hopeful society, strengthened by the gains of the peace process. May this be our guiding thread in the coming years.
I send my warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland.
ELIZABETH R
