Unionist Minister speaks at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

dlofnep · 09-09-2011 7:08pm #1

Video is here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17164667

Begins at about the 15 minute mark. This is not the first time a Unionist has spoken at a Sinn Féin Ard fheis, but it is the first unionist Presbyterian minister has spoken. It's reflective on the new future that unionists and republicans share together. The fact that a Unionist can step onto a Sinn Féin Ard Fheis stage and receive a loud round of applause, is evident of growing friendship between the two communities and maturity between the two communities.

Interesting speech.

KeithAFC · 09-09-2011 7:47pm

He just talked about god and religion. If I was religious, it might mean something to me but it doesn't.

cardwizzard · 09-09-2011 7:59pm

Yes I agree OP, good for him. Shows how time has moved along, on both sides.

dlofnep · 09-09-2011 8:00pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

He just talked about god and religion.

No he didn't. You obviously didn't listen to the full speech.

Chuck Stone · 09-09-2011 8:04pm

Anything which breaks down the prejudices between the two communities is to be welcomed by all but the most entrenched bigot imo.

Fair play to him. Hopefully he won't experience a backlash from his own folk.

The Catholic Church of Christ the King in Limavady was also bombed, by loyalsit paramilitaries in October 1981, as it was nearing completion. Reverend David Armstrong, the minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Limavady, across the road from the Church of Christ the King, publicly offered his sympathy to the Catholic congregation following the attack. Armstrong's congregation and others in the local Protestant community reacted with hostility, and Armstrong was forced to leave his church and Northern Ireland. Reverend Armstrong stated in an interview with The Irish News, on October 7, 2008, that after he was forced to leave his home he was given money by Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich to help him resettle.

Wiki.

(I grew up in that town and was in the church when that Reverend came in and remember the hullabaloo at the time)

KeithAFC wrote: »

He just talked about god and religion. If I was religious, it might mean something to me but it doesn't.

Well this isn't about you Keith - there are blogs for that.

woodoo · 09-09-2011 8:07pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

He just talked about god and religion. If I was religious, it might mean something to me but it doesn't.

Did much else happen during the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis? I wouldn't be a big republican so i didn't watch it.

charlemont · 09-09-2011 8:08pm

Chuck Stone wrote: »

Anything which breaks down the prejudices between the two communities is to be welcomed by all but the most entrenched bigot imo.

Fair play to him. Hopefully he won't experience a backlash from his own folk.

(I grew up in that town and was in the church when that Reverend came in and remember the hullabaloo at the time)

Cool, He lives nearby, I went to collage with two of his children.

KeithAFC · 09-09-2011 8:09pm

dlofnep wrote: »

No he didn't. You obviously didn't listen to the full speech.

Not once did he tell us why he was a Unionist and why he believed in the Union. He called Martin Mcguinness one of the great leaders of our time and some other nonsense about gods image and all that.

KeithAFC · 09-09-2011 8:10pm

woodoo wrote: »

Did much else happen during the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis? I wouldn't be a big republican so i didn't watch it.

Don't know. Probably the same stuff as last year. Would not watch the rest of it.

Coillte_Bhoy · 09-09-2011 8:13pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

He just talked about god and religion. If I was religious, it might mean something to me but it doesn't.

ReallY? You never stop going on about the 'protestant people' this, the 'protestant people' that etc etc. i presumed, perhaps wrongly that you were one of the them

Chuck Stone · 09-09-2011 8:17pm

charlemont wrote: »

Cool, He lives nearby, I went to collage with two of his children.

Carrigaline/Crosshaven area isn't it? I was talking to someone whow knew him a few years back. I think he's Church of Ireland now.

I live in Cork City now btw.

Coillte_Bhoy · 09-09-2011 8:18pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Not once did he tell us why he was a Unionist and why he believed in the Union. He called Martin Mcguinness one of the great leaders of our time and some other nonsense about gods image and all that.

So im guessing you dont approve of this, am i right? Surely this is indicative of the huge strides that have been made in recent years between im placable political enemies who were not so long ago, literally at each others throats?

Wolfe Tone · 09-09-2011 8:21pm

Watched it live, fella seems like a nice guy, decent speech.

KeithAFC · 09-09-2011 8:21pm

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

ReallY? You never stop going on about the 'protestant people' this, the 'protestant people' that etc etc. i presumed, perhaps wrongly that you were one of the them

But anyone can do that and not have to be a Protestant.

R P McMurphy · 09-09-2011 8:23pm

Caught a bit of reaction to it on Radio Ulster (not that I like to listen to it very often) and it was not very positive. Fair play to the man, didn't watch the link but on the radio he came across as intelligent and articulate and well able for the arguments thrown his way

woodoo · 09-09-2011 8:25pm

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Watched it live.

Apparently Gerry is going to announce something tomorrow night. Could he be for running for President??

irishh_bob · 09-09-2011 8:43pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

He just talked about god and religion. If I was religious, it might mean something to me but it doesn't.

yet in another thread on this forum not two hours ago , you stated that religon is very important to the protestant people of ulster , going back to the founding fathers

mikeyboy · 09-09-2011 8:46pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

But anyone can do that and not have to be a Protestant.

Then you had some neck claiming in another thread to have the right to speak for the Protestant people of Ulster

KeithAFC · 09-09-2011 8:47pm

yet in another thread on this forum not two hours ago , you stated that religon is very important to the protestant people of ulster , going back to the founding fathers

It is. What is the point you are trying to make?

Then you had some neck claiming in another thread to have the right to speak for the Protestant people of Ulster

I said the majority. Who are Unionists.

Sunnyisland · 09-09-2011 8:54pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

He just talked about god and religion. If I was religious, it might mean something to me but it doesn't.

Yet one of the organasitions you support are forever going on about For GOD & ULSTER.

Coillte_Bhoy · 09-09-2011 9:08pm

irishh_bob wrote: »

yet in another thread on this forum not two hours ago , you stated that religon is very important to the protestant people of ulster , going back to the founding fathers

founding fathers??? wtf is he going on about now?

KeithAFC · 09-09-2011 9:15pm

realies wrote: »

Yet one of the organasitions you support are forever going on about For GOD & ULSTER.

People can believe in what they want. Doesn't mean I have to.

Iwasfrozen · 09-09-2011 10:26pm

woodoo wrote: »

Apparently Gerry is going to announce something tomorrow night. Could he be for running for President??

I hope so, I think he'd make a good go of it.

Wolfe Tone · 09-09-2011 10:39pm

Presbyterian minister calls McGuinness 'great leader'

A Presbyterian minister has told the Sinn Fein annual conference that Martin McGuinness is "one of the great leaders of modern times".

The ard fheis is taking place at Belfast's Waterfront Hall - the first time it has been held north of the border.

Reverend David Latimer was the opening guest speaker to Sinn Fein members.

Mr McGuinness and Rev Latimer have become friends through their community work in Londonderry.

"Martin, you and I have been journeying together for the last five years, and in that time we have become very firm friends able to relax in each other's company," said the First Derry Presbyterian clergyman.

"While our interaction might understandably raise eyebrows amongst some within our communities, the reality is you and I regard ourselves to be brothers within the same human frailty.

"Your invitation to me is forward looking and timely - is it possible that the Democratic Unionists could see their way to invite a Catholic priest to address their party conference this year or next?"

The DUP MP for East Londonderry, Gregory Campbell, had criticised Rev Latimer's decision to accept the invitation to speak at the ard fheis.

And following his address, the Londonderry clergyman was called a "latter day Lundy" by the leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, Jim Allister.

Rev Latimer said there were no objections within his congregation to him accepting the offer.
"Courageous decision"

When he introduced the Presbyterian minister, Mr McGuinness praised his willingness to speak to republicans.

"In my experience of recent years, many within the unionist community are up for a journey of reconciliation and dialogue," said the deputy first minister.

"Tonight one of those, the Rev David Latimer from First Derry Presbyterian church, has demonstrated that by his courageous decision to accept our invitation to address this ard fheis."

Rev Latimer also told Sinn Fein members that he would eventually like to see a symbolic public day of reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

He said the one-off event, which would see mutual recognition of wrongdoing, could be staged across all of Ireland.

"Such a solitary and public event would, I believe, provide space and time for everybody involved in the conflict to acknowledge the pain that each has inflicted," he said.

"Recognising we have hurt each other and that we have been hurt by each other and that we all need to forgive would undeniably be liberating for all 32 counties, I think, of this island."

North Antrim MLA Mr Allister was heavily critical of Rev Latimer.

"In describing McGuinness as a great leader he trampled on the graves and memories of all the victims of the IRA.

"This latter day Lundy may see McGuinness as 'one of the great leaders of modern times', I see him as one of the most unrepentant terrorist godfathers of modern times."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14859358

As for a presidential candidate being announced by Gerry, perhaps, doubt it will be himself though.

imme · 10-09-2011 12:20am

OP,
I think the thread title is misleading.
Unionist Minister makes the clergyman sound like a Stormont minister.

steddyeddy · 10-09-2011 12:39am

KeithAFC wrote: »

People can believe in what they want. Doesn't mean I have to.

How in the name of the red hand of ulster do you expect anyone to take your arguements seriously let alone believe you have any connection to protestentisim?

dlofnep · 10-09-2011 12:43am

imme wrote: »

OP,
I think the thread title is misleading.
Unionist Minister makes the clergyman sound like a Stormont minister.

It wasn't intentionally misleading. No harm.

KeithAFC · 10-09-2011 12:43am

steddyeddy wrote: »

How in the name of the red hand of ulster do you expect anyone to take your arguements seriously let alone believe you have any connection to protestentisim?

Because I live with Protestants? I am a Loyalist who lives in Ulster and has grown up in Ulster? Doesn't mean I am a believer in god.

steddyeddy · 10-09-2011 12:57am

KeithAFC wrote: »

Because I live with Protestants? I am a Loyalist who lives in Ulster and has grown up in Ulster? Doesn't mean I am a believer in god.

I really dont think you know real protestents sorry keith but I just dont believe it. I know real protestents think a belief in god is pretty central. By the way without the religion there is no difference between a protestent or catholic whatsoever.

Rafa1977 · 10-09-2011 12:16pm

woodoo wrote: »

Apparently Gerry is going to announce something tomorrow night. Could he be for running for President??

Maybe he will announce that Aengus Ó Snodaigh is finally gonna pay back the thousands of euro he owes to the oireachtas in printer toner consumables that he owes for the last number of years???

HellsAngel · 10-09-2011 2:04pm

woodoo wrote: »

Apparently Gerry is going to announce something tomorrow night. Could he be for running for President??

Cann't see GA or any SFer standing for the Pres. I know this sounds far fetched but maybe he will announce someone from a moderate unionist background who may want to stand who may be well known through sport or something ?

Coillte_Bhoy · 10-09-2011 2:07pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Because I live with Protestants? I am a Loyalist who lives in Ulster and has grown up in Ulster? Doesn't mean I am a believer in god.

An aetheist loyalist??? well, well, who would have thought it.

dlofnep · 10-09-2011 2:18pm

Stop allowing Keith to drag the thread into the pits. It is surely a beacon of hope that two communities can come together like this. If he refuses to acknowledge this, that's his prerogative - but don't give him the fuel that he wants to take it off topic.

Paddy De Plasterer · 10-09-2011 3:55pm

what sort of a clown is this Latimer guy. He describes Martin McGuinness as the best thing ever. It transpired he got a grant of 1.2 million pounds to do up his church. How does he fell about all those Presbyterians the IRA killed. I take issue with the thread title of Unionist Minister - where is the evidence for that ? He is a Protestant Minister, and i feel he may be a nationalist one too. He was a chaplain in the British Army, a few years ago the IRA would have killed him for that.

steddyeddy · 10-09-2011 4:02pm

Paddy De Plasterer wrote: »

what sort of a clown is this Latimer guy. He describes Martin McGuinness as the best thing ever. It transpired he got a grant of 1.2 million pounds to do up his church. How does he fell about all those Presbyterians the IRA killed. I take issue with the thread title of Unionist Minister - where is the evidence for that ? He is a Protestant Minister, and i feel he may be a nationalist one too. He was a chaplain in the British Army, a few years ago the IRA would have killed him for that.

What does religion matter really? People talk about divides yet bring up the religion of the vicitims as if it mattered!

KeithAFC · 10-09-2011 5:37pm

Paddy De Plasterer wrote: »

what sort of a clown is this Latimer guy. He describes Martin McGuinness as the best thing ever. It transpired he got a grant of 1.2 million pounds to do up his church. How does he fell about all those Presbyterians the IRA killed. I take issue with the thread title of Unionist Minister - where is the evidence for that ? He is a Protestant Minister, and i feel he may be a nationalist one too. He was a chaplain in the British Army, a few years ago the IRA would have killed him for that.

Fully agree. I have heard he has insulted a lot of Protestants with these comments.

charlemont · 10-09-2011 5:48pm

Chuck Stone wrote: »

Carrigaline/Crosshaven area isn't it? I was talking to someone whow knew him a few years back. I think he's Church of Ireland now.

I live in Cork City now btw.

Yes, He is around Crosshaven Carrigaline, I haven't seen his kids in years but they were nice people.

blahfckingblah · 10-09-2011 6:12pm

any word on this annoucement by Gerry Adams? im very curious.

dlofnep · 10-09-2011 7:06pm

blahfckingblah wrote: »

any word on this annoucement by Gerry Adams? im very curious.

It will be an announcement for candidate for presidency. Word is it will be Gildernew. I've been in bed all day, so I've missed most of the Ard Fheis. Caught a bit on the stream.

cardwizzard · 10-09-2011 7:13pm

Paddy De Plasterer wrote: »

what sort of a clown is this Latimer guy. He describes Martin McGuinness as the best thing ever. It transpired he got a grant of 1.2 million pounds to do up his church. How does he fell about all those Presbyterians the IRA killed. I take issue with the thread title of Unionist Minister - where is the evidence for that ? He is a Protestant Minister, and i feel he may be a nationalist one too. He was a chaplain in the British Army, a few years ago the IRA would have killed him for that.

An open minded clown. A clown who wants to heal wounds on both sides. The type of clown who looks to the future not the past.

Mc Guniness might not be every bodies cup of tea but he is a great leader. One thing about Paisley, he too is/was a great leader. Just because you don't agree with their politics has nothing to do with leadership.

While I don't know Latimer's politics I doubt if he is a nationalist, because if he was in the BA a few years ago, that would probably put pay to that.

Clown.

steddyeddy · 10-09-2011 7:27pm

I suppose tony blair must be a nationalist because he wanted peace in northern ireland and ian paisley must be the head of the ira because he wanted peace.

Sunnyisland · 10-09-2011 7:27pm

cardwizzard wrote: »

An open minded clown. A clown who wants to heal wounds on both sides. The type of clown who looks to the future not the past.

Mc Guniness might not be every bodies cup of tea but he is a great leader. One thing about Paisley, he too is/was a great leader. Just because you don't agree with their politics has nothing to do with leadership.

While I don't know Latimer's politics I doubt if he is a nationalist, because if he was in the BA a few years ago, that would probably put pay to that.

Clown.

Pity we havent got more people like him ,

Wolfe Tone · 10-09-2011 7:36pm

Adams speech is on RTE now

Iwasfrozen · 10-09-2011 8:04pm

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Adams speech is on RTE now

I missed it, any word on who's running?

Wolfe Tone · 10-09-2011 8:06pm

Iwasfrozen wrote: »

I missed it, any word on who's running?

It will be up on youtube soon I expect.

No, he said one will be run though. It was a good speech.

round tower huntsman · 10-09-2011 8:24pm

why wouldnt a unionist speak at the psf ard fheis???????????? the union is secured cos of psf.

KeithAFC · 10-09-2011 8:35pm

round tower huntsman wrote: »

why wouldnt a unionist speak at the psf ard fheis???????????? the union is secured cos of psf.

Its a conference for Irish Republicans.

round tower huntsman · 10-09-2011 8:58pm

conference for a party that support the british police/law in ireland, conference for a party that accepts britians soverignity in ireland, conference for a party that impliments torie governmet cuts and policy,conference for a party that criminalises any resistance to british rule in ireland,conference for a party that accepts the unionist veto ffs....................................................why wouldnt a unionist talk at its ard fheis?
like a unionist talking at a ff ard fheis, no biggie!

dlofnep · 10-09-2011 9:18pm

round tower huntsman wrote: »

conference for a party that support the british police/law in ireland

The police service contains members of both communities - both Irish Nationalist and Unionist, and is administered in Ireland, accountable by those elected in Ireland. So no - It doesn't support British policing in Ireland. It supports a fair and accountable service that has a balanced make-up of all aspects of society.

The PSNI isn't perfect - but after a generation, it will weed out the die-hard loyalists who made up the bigots that existed in the RUC.

round tower huntsman wrote: »

, conference for a party that accepts britians soverignity in ireland,

It has never accepted Britain's sovereignty in Ireland. It accepts a peaceful roadmap to ending the partition of Ireland. There is a difference. It does not accept that Britain has a rightful claim to govern Irish affairs.

round tower huntsman wrote: »

conference for a party that impliments torie governmet cuts and policy

The cuts are implemented before they ever reach Stormont. The assembly must come to agreements based on the amount of funds which have been allocated. You say it like there is an alternative. There isn't. Taxation is not determined in Stormont so Sinn Féin and the DUP cannot balance the burden. You demonstrate an ignorance of how the north is governed.

round tower huntsman wrote: »

conference for a party that criminalises any resistance to british rule in ireland

It doesn't call for the criminalisation to any resistance to British rule in Ireland. Indeed, Sinn Féin are resisting British rule in Ireland by smashing it from the inside. A few decades ago, the north was an orange state controlled by London. Today, a majority of affairs are determined by Irish political parties.

What it does oppose is those who seek to break the peace process, which was the result of tireless negotiations.

round tower huntsman wrote: »

....................................................why wouldnt a unionist talk at its ard fheis?

They wouldn't if they were forward-thinking unionists who sought to make a brighter future by building friendship between the communities. And not some backward loyalist troglodyte who is still stuck in an orange-state mentality.

round tower huntsman · 10-09-2011 9:31pm

eh have you read the gfa/st andys agreements?? psf absolutely does accpet britians soverignity in the northern part of ireland,they are allowed to merely aspire to a united ireland!

they do criminalise resistence to british rule, read-mitchel agreement pre gfa and go to you tube and watch curlys melt down and his "traitors" remark.....
the psni works hand in hand with mi5 and british military intel, they are absolutley a british police force, just cos they have some members that speak irish and play gaa doesnt mean they're not british. the ric had many native irish speaking officers,in fact dan breen killed a couple in soloheadbeg.

your point re the cuts says it all really. the cuts are made before they reach stormont, britsh cuts made by britsh goverments in britsh territory.....tiocfaidh ar la:rolleyes:

woodoo · 10-09-2011 9:44pm

dlofnep wrote: »

The PSNI isn't perfect - but after a generation, it will weed out the die-hard loyalists who made up the bigots that existed in the RUC.

I dunno. So far i have seen a few people from Ardoyne prosecuted for rioting during the summer. How many loyalists have been jailed from their riot in June? Its not looking good.

Unionist Minister speaks at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

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