Minister Dermot Ahern visits Belfast and North Antrim to meet residents affected by recent violence.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern T.D., today visited a number of community groups in Belfast and Antrim who were most directly affected by sectarian attacks and street violence.  During his visit, he met with residents on the Springfield Road in West Belfast and Parkside in North Belfast.  He also met some of the families affected by sectarian attacks in North Antrim. 

Following these meetings, the Minister said:

“This was an important opportunity to hear directly from the communities and individuals who have been directly affected by recent events. It is vital for those of us involved in the ongoing political process to hear at first hand the concerns and experiences of the people and communities who suffer fear and intimidation.

“The Government is determined to be proactive in challenging sectarianism at every opportunity. Today was an important occasion for me to speak to the people working hard at the coalface, to see how best we can achieve this.

"I assured all those I met today of the Government's commitment to work for the peaceful and stable future that the people of Northern Ireland deserve.”

Later, the Minister visited the Corrymeela Reconciliation Centre where he paid tribute to its ongoing work in combating sectarianism, and to its director David Stephens and his staff.

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Press Office

22^nd September 2005